For the third time this season and the first this year Creck Sporting will lock horns with Goshen City Dedza Dynamos when the two sides meet in the Castel Challenge Cup 2025/26 Round of 32.
Although Creck Sporting have already beaten Dedza Dynamos twice this season in the league and the FDH Cup, past results offer no guarantees in cup football. Another tough battle awaits as we aim to convert the home advantage at Aubrey Dimba Stadium into a place in the Round of 16.
This will be Creck Sporting’s second consecutive appearance in the Castel Challenge Cup, providing another opportunity to prove our strength in knockout competitions. The match will be played in Mchinji, with Crecks hosting the Dedza based outfit.
The knockout tie comes at a time when Creck Sporting finished the league strongly, ending the season in 8th position after building impressive winning momentum.
Head coach Eliya Kananji has described the Castel Challenge Cup as one of the toughest competitions due to its knockout nature but remains confident his side can rise to the challenge.
“This will be a different game altogether, but the boys are ready to make it through. We’ve worked on creating chances and utilising every half chance. Eyes forward, aiming for victory in the end but it won’t be easy,” said the gaffer.
Kananji believes his squad has the quality to compete at a high level and potentially make a deep run in the tournament. Creck Sporting ended the league campaign with three consecutive victories against Ekhaya FC, Dedza Dynamos, and Mafco FC, first-ever three-match winning streak in a single season.
“I believe in this squad. The way we’ve finished the season can open a pathway all the way to the final. But it starts here, one step at a time. This is our last hope this season, and we can achieve something special,” he added.
Last season, Creck Sporting began the Castel Challenge Cup journey in the Round of 64 against Ergo Football from Kasungu, before eliminating Dowa Eagles in the Round of 32. Our campaign ended in the Quarterfinals, following a 1–1 draw against Mighty Wanderers and a 3–1 defeat on post-match penalties.
The winner of the tie between Creck Sporting and Goshen City Dedza Dynamos will face Karonga United in the Round of 16. Karonga United secured their place after eliminating Lufita United in Chitipa.
This year’s Castel Challenge Cup carries a MK320 million package, with 16 Super League teams competing alongside clubs from the lower leagues and regional play-offs.
The overall winner will walk away with MK50 million.
TEAM NEWS
Harvey Nasiyaya and Gift Kadawati are both available for selection ahead of the Dedza Dynamos clash. Nasiyaya missed the final league match against Mafco after sustaining an injury during the previous encounter with Dedza.
🆚 Goshen City Dedza Dynamos
🗓️ Sunday, January 11, 2026
🏟️ Aubrey Dimba Stadium
🕰️ 14:30 GMT
🏆 CASTEL CHALLENGE CUP – Round of 32
