Airtel calls for Lilongwe derby semis

Defending champions Silver Strikers will face their capital city rivals Civil Service (Civo) United in the semi-finals of the Airtel Top 8.

The Central Bankers beat Kasungu-based TN Stars 4-1 yesterday at Chitowe Stadium in Dwangwa, Nkhotakota to qualify on a 5-1 aggregate over two legs.

By half time, Silver were already in the comfort zone as they led 3-0.

Winger Blessings Tembo, who was named man-of-the-match, was the toast of the afternoon for the Area 47-based side after claiming a brace and setting up the other.

He drew first blood in the sixth minute direct from a beautiful free kick which gave TN Stars goalkeeper Blackson Kotei no chance.

Stanley Davie doubled the Central Bankers lead in the 24th minute with a powerful shot after being put through by Tembo to add misery for his former club.

Barely a minute later, Tembo  was on target again when he headed home a free-kick from Mark Fodya.

Silver were dominant in midfield where Tembo, Tawonga Chimodzi and Zebron Kalima turned on a classic display.

Frank Banda added the fourth in the 61st minute before striker Fabio Kapinde netted the consolation goal for TN.

Silver assistant coach McDonald Yobe said their plan worked to perfection.

He said: “The plan was to score an early goal so as to unsettle them and it worked.

“We knew that allowing them to settle down would create pressure for us. The boys played according to instructions and we’ll now switch focus to the semi-final match.

TN Stars captain Blessings Joseph accepted defeat, saying they drew some lessons from the loss.

The other semi-final will be another derby involving Blantyre giants Nyasa Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers.