By Draxon Maloya

In a shocking display of vulnerability, Mzuzu City pHammers suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Civil Service United in the second leg of this year’s Airtel Top 8 quarterfinal.

The Saturday’s loss marked a harsh reality check for Hammers, who are still reeling from the departure of their former head coach, Kondwani Ikwanga who is now with Chitipa United.

Without the guidance of their new head coach, Steven Nkwinika, and his assistant, Lackson Nyoni, who were noticeably absent from the bench, Hammers struggled to contain the quick passing Civil Service United’s attacking prowess.

Looking totally dejected, Lazarus Nyemera, Mzuzu City Hammers’ team manager and a seasoned midfielder with experience, played for Eagle Strikers, Mzuni FC, Silver Strikers, and Blue Eagles, cited technical deficiencies in the game’s early moments as the reason for the team’s loss.

“We conceded early and failed to contain our opponents. Despite making some changes, it only worsened the situation. But it wasn’t our day and our focus is now on the league,” said Nyemera.

The jovial Civil Service United’s head coach, Abasi Makawa, praised his team’s execution of the game plan.

“We planned to score earlier, unsettled them, and controlled the game. Now our focus is on the next assignments in the competition,” said Makawa.

The absence of Nkwinika and Nyoni from the bench has sparked speculation, with social media reports suggesting that Nkwinika may have parted ways with Hammers due to the team’s poor run of results.

The decision to fire Ikwanga appears to continue backfiring, leaving the team to pick up the pieces and regroup for the remainder of the season.