Relief was the prevalent emotion as Silver Strikers claimed a 1-0 victory over Moyale Barracks in an Airtel Top 8 quarterfinal first leg match at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe Monday.
It was not their best performance but the Central Bankers got the important goal in the first half.
This means Silver have an advantage over Moyale heading into the second leg scheduled for May 17 at Mzuzu Stadium.
Festus Duwe, who was named player-of-the-match, was the difference as he netted the only goal in the ninth minute of the match.
This is Silver’s first victory in the 2025 football season in three matches in all competitions after registering one loss and a draw in the league.
But Silver were also guilty of wasting several scoring opportunities, especially in the second half.
Substitutes Chinsinsi Maonga, Stain Davie and Gift Chunga had chances but lacked composure in front of goal.
On the other hand, Moyale, despite playing good football which was sweet to the eye, sat too deep and rarely threatened the hosts.
The soldiers came with a plan to catch Silver on the counter attack as striker Raphael Phiri was isolated upfront.
Charles Nkhoma and Clever Kalambo had a grand game for Moyale.
Silver coach Peter Mgangira said the result was a true reflection of the match.
“We created several chances but failed to convert them into goals. The win will give us confidence,” Mgangira said.
On his part, Moyale coach Pritchard Mwansa said the battle was not over yet.
“It will be tough in the second leg but we will try our best to get a win. We will fight for the win,” Mwansa said.
Silver, who have won the Airtel Top 8 cup twice in 2017 and 2019, and Mighty Wanderers were the only two teams that registered victories in the first leg of the 2025 Airtel Top 8.
Wanderers defeated Karonga 1-0 courtesy of Blessings Mwalilino’s goal at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday.
The two sides will face each other in the second leg at Karonga Stadium this coming weekend.
Defending Champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets started their title defence with a goal-less stalemate against Creck Sporting Club.
Creck will host Bullets in the second leg at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
In another first leg quarterfinal match, Mzuzu City Hammers and Civil Service United shared the spoils after a goal-less stalemate at Mzuzu Stadium on Sunday.
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