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.
At the conclusion of a press briefing, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) spokesperson Jessie Kabwila expressed strong confidence that the party has won the presidential election.
Kabwila stated that MCP firmly believes it has secured victory in the September 16, 2025 polls.
She emphasized that the party is now only waiting for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) to formally announce the results.
Her remarks reflect MCP’s optimism despite ongoing debates and disputes surrounding the vote tallying process.
MCP presser
Kabwila underscored that the party’s position is based on its own assessments and reports from the ground.
She added that MCP supporters should remain calm and patient as the electoral body carries out its constitutional mandate.
The statement comes at a time of heightened political tension as Malawians eagerly await the official outcome of the elections.
Kabwila’s declaration is expected to energize MCP supporters, while also drawing attention to the critical role MEC plays in safeguarding electoral transparency.
Observers note that such confidence, if not matched by MEC’s final announcement, could potentially raise questions about how parties manage expectations during the sensitive post-election period.
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has stated that it is closely monitoring interactions between President Lazarus Chakwera’s Attorney General, Thabo Chakaka, and Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) CEO Andrew Mpesi.
According to DPP sources, these meetings are occurring both inside and outside the National Tally Centre in Lilongwe.
The party emphasized that its monitoring is aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing any potential influence on the ongoing aggregation of election results.
DPP officials have expressed concern about the possibility of unauthorized interventions that could affect the integrity of the tallying process.
Chakaka
They underscored the importance of all electoral stakeholders respecting constitutional procedures and allowing MEC to carry out its mandate without external pressure.
The situation reflects heightened tensions surrounding the September 16, 2025 general elections, as parties remain alert to any developments that might impact the outcome.
Observers note that these claims, if substantiated, could further complicate the post-election political climate and influence public perception of electoral fairness.
Looking ahead, DPP’s vigilance over these interactions may have a mixed impact on Malawi’s political landscape.
On one hand, active monitoring could reinforce public trust among DPP supporters, signaling that the party is committed to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
It may also act as a deterrent against potential attempts to manipulate results, thereby ensuring that MEC adheres strictly to constitutional procedures and transparent tallying practices.
However, constant scrutiny and public claims of suspicious meetings could heighten tensions between parties, fueling narratives of distrust and partisan confrontation.
If not managed responsibly, this environment may create uncertainty around the official announcement of results, potentially eroding confidence in electoral institutions among the general populace.
Over the medium term, how the DPP communicates its observations and engages with legal and civil society mechanisms will be crucial in maintaining political stability.
A constructive approach—where concerns are formally documented and addressed through proper channels—could strengthen democratic norms and prevent post-election unrest.
Conversely, unchecked allegations or public speculation might exacerbate polarization, undermine cross-party cooperation, and slow governance processes.
Ultimately, DPP’s actions during this critical tallying period could set a precedent for how political actors in Malawi balance vigilance with the responsibility to uphold national stability and respect institutional independence.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) running mate in the September 16, 2025 general elections, Vitumbiko Mumba, has declared that the party won the presidential race and will take legal action against any attempt to alter the outcome.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe on Sunday, Mumba alleged that the election was marred by widespread and systematic irregularities aimed at denying MCP victory.
Mumba, who said he was speaking on behalf of MCP presidential candidate President Lazarus Chakwera, explained that the claims are backed by evidence gathered by party agents, lawyers, and forensic experts.
Vitumbiko Mumba
“The findings are very clear, consistent, and deeply troubling. They include a forensic comparison of original polling station results forms, agent statements, time stamps, photographs, and contemporaneous notes,” he said.
According to Mumba, results recorded at polling centres do not correspond with the figures later announced at the national tally centre.
He further pointed to what he described as an unusually high number of null and void ballots in MCP strongholds.
“This is not 2014.You can’t bring fists or knives to a drone’s fight.Chakwera won in 2019, but he was robbed of victory. This time, God has not allowed it,” added Mumba.
He further accused some opposition parties of employing various tactics to create disorder with the aim of portraying the government as a failure.
Mumba cited challenges such as fuel shortages and persistent power blackouts in the country as examples of issues being used for political gain.
He said it is surprising that fuel is now readily available and that the problem of electricity blackouts has eased.
The press conference was attended by several MCP top members.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) running mate in the September 16, 2025 General Election, Vitumbiko Mumba, has claimed that the party won the presidential election.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lilongwe, Mumba stated that MCP will legally challenge any attempt to alter the outcome of the election.
He alleged that there were widespread and systematic irregularities designed to deprive MCP of victory.
Mumba
Mumba, who said he was speaking on behalf of MCP presidential candidate President Lazarus Chakwera, explained that the allegations are based on evidence gathered by party agents, lawyers, and forensic experts.
He emphasized: “The findings are very clear, consistent and deeply troubling. They include a forensic comparison of original polling station results forms, agent statements, time stamps, photographs and contemporaneous notes.”
Mumba claimed that results recorded at polling centres do not match figures later announced at the national tally centre.
He also highlighted what he described as a suspiciously high number of null and void ballots in MCP strongholds.
Mumba added: “This is not 2014… you can’t bring fists or knives to a drone’s fight. Chakwera won in 2019, he was robbed of victory… but God did not allow it.”
The party’s strong allegations underscore the tensions surrounding Malawi’s 2025 presidential election and point to a possible legal battle in the coming days.
