By Yamikani Simutowe, Contributor
Silver Strikers and Mighty Wanderers kicked off their pursuit of the Airtel Top 8 crown and the K40 million prize with promising victories in the quarterfinal first legs on Sunday.
Silver Strikers, also known as the Bankers and twice winners of the competition, overcame Karonga United 2–0 at Silver Stadium.
This was a repeat of the 2019 Airtel Top 8 final, in which Silver Strikers won 1- 0 to lift the trophy for the second time, having the inaugural tournament in 2017.
However, this encounter was entirely different, as the two sides met in the quarterfinal first leg, each hoping to sail through to the final of the tournament sponsored by Airtel Malawi plc.
Striker Charles Chipala opened the scoring in the 11th minute. His header in the 31st minute was ruled out for offside, but he struck again in the 34th minute with a tap-in finish after a superb run and delivery from defender McDonald Lameck on the right flank.
The hosts dominated the first half and could have scored more. Chipala missed several chances, including a penalty that was saved by Karonga United goalkeeper Eddie Jamu.
The Bankers went into halftime 2–0 up and with a numerical advantage after Karonga defender Lovemore Ngolombe was sent off for two bookable offences.
In the second half, Karonga United’s coach made five changes, strengthening midfield and attack. The adjustments helped neutralize Silver’s dominance, but despite containing the Bankers in midfield and pressing forward, Karonga failed to break through as Silver’s defense held firm to secure a 2–0 home win.
Silver Strikers coach Peter Mgangira said the scoreline did not reflect the number of chances created, especially in the first half.
“We played well and created many opportunities, but my boys were not clinical enough. We could have scored more than seven goals, which would have given us a huge advantage going into the second leg. Still, we have two goals in the bag, and we’ll prepare well to win in Karonga,” said Mgangira.
Karonga United coach Audrow Makonyola conceded defeat but remained optimistic.
“We struggled in the first half, but improved in the second despite being a man down. We’ve conceded two goals, but all is not lost. At home, we can overturn the tables. If they had scored more than four, I’d say we were out, but our second-half performance motivates us to fight back,” Makonyola said.
At Mpira Stadium in Blantyre, Mighty Wanderers proved mightier, beating Creck Sporting 2–0 with second-half goals from Blessings Mwalilino and Lameck Mithi.
Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira said it was a tough match as Creck Sporting were equally determined to win.
Mpinganjira said that although Creck Sporting are struggling in the league, they remain a strong and resilient side.
He noted that cup games are always tricky and unpredictable, with every team aiming for victory.
“They came at us with determination, hoping to secure a win and turn around their misfortunes.
“The beauty of it is that we did not concede, and we managed to score two goals. What matters most in cup competitions are goals, and we are happy and content for now,” he said in post match interview.
Creck Sporting interim coach Chisomo Nkhoma, who was quick to admit defeat, said their plan to pin down Wanderers in midfield worked well in the first half, which is why the game was goalless at the break.
She explained that her team took time to analyze Wanderers, who usually play with three defenders, five midfielders, and two strikers—a formation that has consistently delivered results for them.
Nkhoma noted that with their game plan, Creck Sporting managed to press and push forward but failed to break through Wanderers’ backline.
However, she said after the restart, her side became disorganized at the back, allowing the hosts to score twice in the space of four minutes.
“After conceding those two goals, I told the boys not to give up. Mistakes happen, but it’s about reorganizing yourself and closing all the spaces. We keep instilling confidence in our players—nothing is lost yet,” said Nkhoma, who stepped in on an interim basis following the dismissal of head coach Eliya Kananji after a poor run of results.
On Saturday, Blue Eagles and Civil Service United settled for a goalless draw, while Ekhaya FC came from behind to force a 1-all draw with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets..George Chaomba scored for Bullets, with Allen Chihana equalizing for Ekhaya.
However reverse fixtures, scheduled for July 11 and 12, 2026, will deliver the final verdict, with four teams set to exit the race. With away goals carrying extra weight, Karonga and Creck Sporting face uphill battles, needing at least three unanswered goals to progress.
Ekhaya FC hold a slight advantage thanks to their away goal, a barren draw will propel them into semifinal while the tie between Blue Eagles and Civil Service United remains wide open. However, a scoring draw will push Blue Eagles into the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Airtel Money wallets of Silver’s Charles Chipala, who is leading the scorers’ chart, Allen Chihana of Ekhaya FC, Davie Phiri of Blue Eagles, and Felix Zulu of Mighty Wanderers have each been credited with K140,000 after earning Man of the Match accolades in their respective encounters.
Individual awards include K2 million for Player of the Tournament, K1.35 million for the Top Goal Scorer, and K140,000 for every Man of the Match.
The Airtel Top 8 semifinals are set for August 1–2, with the grand final scheduled for August 29.
The eventual champions will walk away with K40 million, while the runners-up will pocket K14 million.
Leave a Reply