Capital City giants, Silver Strikers and Civo United, step onto Silver Stadium turf today for a Carlsberg Cup round of-32 match.
There is pride and progression to the round of-16 at stake in this match.
In their last league meeting, Silver chalked their first win of the season when they defeated their noisy neighbours 2-1 at Civo Stadium.
Heading into today’s match, Silver are smarting from a 2-1 league loss to Nyasa Big Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium, whereas Civo were held to a 2-2 draw by struggling Karonga United.
In recent years, the Lilongwe derby has lost its sparkle, but today’s encounter promises thrills.
With the coming in of Charles Manda as Civo Technical Director, expectations are high among Civo fans after an erratic start to the season—under the tutelage of Milias Pofera— having exited the Presidential Cup after losing to minnows, Masters Security FC.
However, Pofera believes that the game against Silver will be the turning point.
“It’s a do or die encounter and the players know the importance of the game. This is a must-win for us and my players are mentally strong,” he said.
For Silver, a second successive defeat will not be acceptable.
The Bankers hope to avoid another cup defeat at their backyard having earlier lost to Blue Eagles in the Presidential Cup.
Silver Assistant Coach, Lovemore Fazili, knows that his charges are under pressure to deliver the goods.
“It is always a tricky fixture, but the players have recovered well. We have put behind our loss in the league and we are entirely focusing on this match,” Fazili said.
Mathews Sibale, Thuso Paipi and Levison Maganizo are carrying Silver’s hopes, whereas Civo will bank on Nelson Kangunje, Gerald Nkungula and Fletcher Bandawe.
Other fixtures
Mafco v Dwangwa United at Chitowe Stadium
Wizards FC v Blue Eagles at MDC Stadium
Nyasa Big Bullets v Masters FC at Kamuzu Stadium
Karonga v Moyale Barracks at Mzuzu
Warm Heart Bullets v Mzuni at Nankhaka Stadium
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