By McLloyd Kudzingo
Chikaiko Batson’s headed goal was enough for Civil Service United to defeat Red Lions and reach the quarterfinals of the FDH Cup.
In a tense match played at Balaka Stadium, both sides started the first half on a slow pace but it was the visitors who showed some resilience as they managed to penetrate the soldiers’ half but lacked fire power upfront.
In the second half, Civil continued from where they stopped and they were rewarded in the 57th minute when they scored the only goal of the match.
Batson scored the winning goal connecting with a header, a free kick well taken by Righteous Banda to give the visitors the much needed lead.
In the 64th minute, Civil were reduced to 10 men after defender Yankho Biliat was shown a second yellow card following a foul on Royal Bokosi.
Red Lions tried to use their numerical advantage to create a number of scoring opportunities but the visitors proved to be well organised at the back, denying the Zomba-based soldiers an equaliser.
In another round of 16 match played on Sunday, Mchinji Villa FC beat Chatoloma FC 4-2 at Mchinji Community Ground.
On Saturday, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets were 3-0 winners over The Boys FC as Creck Sporting beat Moyale Barraks 2-1 at Aubrey Dimba Stadium.
