The TNM Super League comes to an end this coming weekend, Saturday, December 27, drawing the curtain on a journey that kicked off on April 5 this year.
For Creck Sporting, the season has been one of lessons, growth, and redemption. The Crecks opened their league campaign with a painful 4-1 home defeat to Goshen City Dedza Dynamos at Champions Stadium in Mponela.
However, sweet revenge was served last Wednesday as Creck edged Dynamos 1-0 in Dedza, thanks to a decisive Patrick Macheso strike in the 17th minute.
Creck Sporting will now close the league fixture with a crucial home encounter against Salima-based soldiers Mafco FC at Aubrey Dimba Stadium on Saturday.
A Must-Win Encounter
Saturday’s clash is a must-win for Creck Sporting as we seek to collect maximum points and secure an Airtel Top 8 slot for next season.
Currently sitting 8th on the log with 39 points, the Crecks are targeting a strong finish that could see them end the campaign on 42 points.
Head Coach Eliya Kananji is confident his side will build on the recent momentum.
“We have lacked this performance and confidence before, but now it is there. You can see it even at training. That is why it has been brilliant during games. All eyes are on finishing well and securing the slot,”said Kananji.
The season began on a difficult note for Creck Sporting, suffering back-to-back defeats against Dedza Dynamos and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, both ending 4-1, before picking up the first point against Blue Eagles.
Heading into the final fixture, Kananji and his charges will rely on home advantage, discipline, and tactical execution to break down Mafco’s defence.
HEAD TO HEAD
This will be the third meeting between the two sides this season.
We first met in a friendly in March before clashing in the league at Chitowe, where Creck Sporting claimed a 2-1 victory. Goals in Dwangwa came from Frank Phiri and Hassan Hussein.Mafco come into this game following a 1-0 loss to Silver Strikers at Champions Stadium.
They sit 12th on the table with 31 points and have already secured survival after Mighty Tigers’ defeat to Blue Eagles confirmed their safety.
TEAM NEWS
Creck Sporting will be without Patrick Macheso and Harvey Nasiyaya, both ruled out on medical grounds after sustaining injuries in Wednesday’s match in Dedza. The duo joins Chris Lwemba, who is still recovering from an ankle injury.
However, Stain Patrick and Ademola Ajibola return to the squad after missing the last two matches against Ekhaya FC and Dynamos.
Match Officials
Referee: Jimmy Phiri
Assistants: Samson Wasili & Richard Kamchedzera
Fourth Official: Charles Chimimba
Match Assessor: Simon Jovinala
