Masters climb into FDH Premiership top five with narrow win over Civo Service United

Masters Football Club moved into the top five of the FDH Bank Premiership after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Civo Service United at Nankhaka Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday afternoon.

The match produced few clear-cut scoring opportunities, but Masters eventually found the breakthrough in the 68th minute when Philmon Ndhlovu scored the decisive goal to seal maximum points for the home side. Ndhlovu was later named player of the match for his influential performance.

The victory represents Masters’ sixth win in 12 matches, lifting the newly promoted side into fifth position and dislodging Ekhaya FC from the spot.

Masters head coach Peter Mponda played down concerns about his team’s consistency, while acknowledging there was still room for improvement as the club continues to build a competitive squad following its introduction to the top flight. He stressed the team was still developing and would need time to establish itself among Malawi’s leading clubs.

For Civo Service United, the defeat extended a difficult run in the league. The side has managed just three victories from 12 matches, leaving them embroiled in the relegation battle.

Civo assistant coach Emmanuel Zowoya admitted the team’s poor form was disappointing, particularly after going seven matches without a win. “We just need to restore confidence among our boys because they are the same players we have been relying on, come rain come sunshine. Things will work for our best,” he said.

Elsewhere, as week 12 of the FDH Bank Premiership reached its conclusion, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets were in control against Chitipa United at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre, leading 2-0. Blessings Mpokera and Clever Kalambo were on the scoresheet for the Blantyre giants.

In another fixture, LUANAR Mitundu claimed a 2-1 victory over Karonga United, while Red Lions and Kamuzu Barracks FC played out a goalless draw at Zomba Stadium. LUANAR’s win lifted them into sixth position, having collected 18 points from 12 games.

The latest results have further intensified the battle for positions in the middle and lower reaches of the Premiership, with Masters’ rise into the top five providing one of the notable talking points from week 12.