Civil Service United produced a vintage performance as they earned Capital City bragging rights following their 2-1 victory over rivals Silver Strikers at Bingu National Stadium Sunday.
But the result was a blow to Silver as they missed a chance to go back to the summit of the 16-member log table.
Following the defeat, Silver remain third on the log table with 28 points from 14 matches, one point behind leaders FCB Nyasa Big Bullets.
The battle for top spot in the first round is now a two-horse race between Silver and Bullets heading into the final fixture on Wednesday.
Silver will face Moyale Barracks at Mzuzu Stadium whereas Bullets will meet Mighty Tigers at Kamuzu Stadium.
This is Silver’s second defeat and their first home loss in the league this season.
It only took Civil two minutes into the match to break the deadlock through Binwel Katinji when he connected a Llyod Aaron cross as goalkeeper Charles Thom misjudged the ball.
Luke Chima doubled Civil’s lead with a well taken goal in added time of the first half.
However, after the break, Silver introduced Emmanuel Muyira and Stain Davie for Tatenda M’balaka and Chisomo Mpachika.
The substitution at least changed the complexion of the game as Silver played with renewed vigour but the Bankers were wasteful in front of the goal.
Chimwemwe Idana scored the consolation for Silver with seven minutes to full time.
But it was too little, too late for the Bankers as Civil claimed their fourth win of the first round.
Silver coach Pieter de Jongh was dejected with the loss but Civo coach Oscar Kaunda was on cloud nine.
“The boys played according to instructions and we were first on the ball. We deserved the victory,’’ Kaunda said.
Civo have moved to position seven with 19 points from 15 matches.
Elsewhere, Bangwe All Stars came from behind to beat Mafco 2-1 at Mpira Stadium.
James Tabwali and Yamikani Mologeni scored for Bangwe whereas Mphatso Philimon was on target for Mafco.
Dedza Dynamos and Ekwendeni Hammers shared the spoils after a 1-1 draw at Dedza Stadium.
Felix Demakude scored for Hammers but Clement Nyondo scored in stoppage time.
