* As two draws were recorded in Ekhaya FC v Nyasa Big Bullets and Blue Eagles v Civil Service United both played at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday
Maravi Express
After two draws Ekhaya FC 1-1 Nyasa Big Bullets and Blue Eagles 0-0 Civil Service United in first leg quarterfinal clashes of the Airtel Top 8 2026 — both played at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday — Silver Strikers and Mighty Wanderers got themselves on good footing by recording identical 2-0 wins yesterday played at Silver Stadium and Mpira Stadium respectively to take strong advantages ahead of the return legs on July 11 and 12.
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After a goalless first half at Mpira Stadium, Mighty Wanderers’ Blessings Mwalilino broke the deadlock before Lameck Mithi added a second late on to give the Nomads a comfortable advantage.
Wanderers coach Bob Mpinganjira commended his players, but said they must remain cautious heading into the return leg: “It was a good performance and the players showed great character.
“But knockout football is unpredictable, so we must stay focused and finish the job in the second leg,” said Mpinganjira.
Creck Sporting Club interim coach Chisomo Nkhoma said her team was unlucky: “We had our moments but failed to use our chances. Conceding two goals is disappointing, but we still believe we can compete strongly in the second leg.
At Silver Stadium in Lilongwe, striker Charles Chipala scored twice to inspire the Bankers to the comfortable lead over Karonga United — opening the scoring in the first half before adding a second after the break to give Silver a healthy cushion going into the second leg.
Silver coach Peter Mgangira praised his team’s discipline, but warned that the tie is not yet over: “We played well and created several chances. The players followed the game plan and deserved the win, but the job is only halfway done.
“We must approach the second leg with the same focus,” said Mgangira while Karonga United coach Audroy Makonyola admitted his side was second best, but said they can still fight back at home.
“Silver punished us for our mistakes and took their chances well. We are disappointed, but we still have 90 minutes at home and we will fight to overturn the deficit,” he said.
Saturday’s results left all four teams with everything to play for in the second legs in which Blue Eagles and Civil Service United played out a goalless draw in the opening match.
Both teams created chances, but neither side could find the breakthrough and it was Blue Eagles who started brightly with quick passing and attacks from wide areas, but Civil Service United remained disciplined in defence and managed to frustrate their opponents.
Blue Eagles coach DeKlerk Msakakuona said his side created good opportunities but failed to convert them: “We created some good situations but failed to convert them. The tie is still open and we will prepare well for the second leg.”
Civil Service United coach Abbas Makawa said he was satisfied with the result, but insisted the job is not yet done, adding: “It was a difficult match against a good side.
“We remained disciplined and achieved a result that keeps us in contention.”
In the second match, Ekhaya FC came from behind to hold defending champions Nyasa Big Bullets to a 1-1 draw.
Bullets took the lead through George Chaomba after controlling most of the first half, but Ekhaya returned stronger after the break and equalised through Allen Chihana.
Ekhaya coach Enos Chatama praised his players for showing character against the defending champions.
“The players showed great character. We were facing a very experienced side, but we never stopped believing,” Chatama said.
Bullets deputy coach Heston Munthali admitted his side missed chances to put the game beyond Ekhaya’s reach: “We had opportunities to put the game beyond reach but failed to take them. Credit to Ekhaya for fighting back.”
Winners after the second legs between Mighty Wanderers and Creck Sporting will face winners of Ekhaya v Bullets and the same goes for Silver Strikers/Karonga United v Blue Eagles/Civil Service United.—Reporting by FAM Media; editing by Duncan Mlanjira, Maravi Express
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