Silver Strikers turned on a majestic performance as they clobbered Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos 4-1 in the first leg of the 2024 Airtel Top 8 quarterfinals at Silver Stadium Wednesday.
The victory means the Central Bankers are one foot into the semi-final of the seventh edition of the Airtel Top 8.
This is a big statement from Silver as they kept their treble-winning dream alive this season.
It was Silver’s first victory over Dedza in all competitions after two seasons.
Midfielder Chimwemwe Idana opened the flood gates in the 11th minute of the match.
It was a spectacular goal as Idana intercepted a ball from a Dedza player before driving forward and dancing his way past defenders and firing a shot into the net.
Zebron Kalima doubled Silver lead five minutes before the break when he received a pass from substitute Stain Davie, who had replaced Charles Chipala. However, the goal triggered protests from the visitors, who thought they were robbed of a throw in.
The goal stood as Silver went for recess with a two-goal cushion. After the break, Dedza came a changed side. Gift Magola had a chance for Dedza but his effort went off target.
Chifuniro Mpinganjira pulled a goal back for the visitors after he capitalised on Pilirani Mapira’s mistake. After the goal, Dedza came wave after wave looking for an equaliser.
Sensing danger, Silver introduced Chinsisi Maonga for Binwell Katinji. Maonga made an instant impact when he restored Silver’s two-goal cushion in the 64th minute from close range after good work from Davie. He completed his brace with 10 minutes to full time when he connected a pass from Idana.
Zebron Kalima was named man-of-the-match.
Silver coach Peter Mponda refused to get carried away with the victory.
“It is not over yet. It is just first half of 90 minutes, we have managed to score four goals here, Dedza can also score four goals. We need to thoroughly prepare for the return leg,” Mponda said.
Dedza coach Andrew Bunya was disappointed with the loss.
“We did not expect to lose with a huge margin. But we are down but not yet out. We can score three goals and force the game into penalties,” Bunya said.
Dedza will host Silver in the second leg at Dedza Stadium on October 20.
Defending champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets beat Civil Service United 2-0 in the first leg on Saturday whereas Mighty Mukuru Wanderers registered a 1-0 victory over Bangwe All Stars. Chitipa United beat Kamuzu Barracks 2-0 at Karonga Ground on Sunday.
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