Chipolopolo midfielder Miguel Chaiwa finally made his highly anticipated debut for Scottish Premiership side Hibernian FC, impressing as the club sealed a 2-0 victory over Livingston to advance to the quarterfinals of the Premier Sports Cup.
The 21-year-old Zambian international, who joined Hibernian from BSC Young Boys earlier this month, played the full match in West Lothian, showcasing his composure and work rate in midfield.
Hibernian Secure Comfortable Win
Hibs took the lead in the first half when Thibault Klidjé capped off a brilliant individual display with a glancing header to make it 1-0. The visitors maintained their control throughout the contest, with Chaiwa anchoring the midfield effectively.
Substitute Josh Mulligan sealed the result late in the second half with a stunning strike, extinguishing any hopes of a Livingston comeback. The 2-0 win means Hibernian are now through to the last eight of the Cup, where they will face Scottish giants Rangers at Ibrox in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
A Strong First Impression
For Chaiwa, the night marked an important milestone in his European career. Having penned a three-year contract with an option for a further year, the midfielder will be looking to cement his place in Hibernian’s starting XI as the season progresses.
Hibs manager and fans alike will be encouraged by Chaiwa’s debut, as he added steel, energy, and intelligent ball distribution to the side’s midfield engine room. His performance suggests that he could play a pivotal role in Hibernian’s domestic campaign.
Matchday Line-Ups
Livingston XI: Prior, Lawal, McGowan, Blaney, Finlayson, Pittman (McLennan 74′), Tait (Yengi 85′), Sylla, Winter (Rudden 60′), Muirhead (Bokila 61′), Smith (May 73′)
Subs: Rudden, McLennan, Hamilton, May, Bokila, Shinnie, Kabongolo, Wanner, Yengi
Hibernian XI: Sallinger, O’Hora, Hanley, Iredale, Megwa, Manneh (Levitt 82′), Chaiwa, Obita (Nicky Cadden 62′), Campbell (Mulligan 82′), Boyle (Hoilett 62′), Klidje (Youan 68′)
Subs: Levitt, Youan, Bowie, Chris Cadden, Smith, Nicky Cadden, Mulligan, Hoilett, Bushiri
What’s Next?
The win sets up a mouthwatering clash with Rangers at Ibrox, a true test of Hibernian’s ambitions this season. For Chaiwa, it will be another opportunity to showcase his abilities on a bigger stage, potentially against some of the league’s top midfielders.
If his debut performance is anything to go by, Zambian fans can look forward to more standout moments from the young Chipolopolo midfielder in Scotland.
