Saturday afternoon Creck Sporting Club clinched fourth victory of the season and handed coach Eliya Kananji his first win at the helm, defeating Moyale Barracks 1-0 in a dominant performance.
A first-half header from midfielder Frank Phiri proved to be the decisive moment.
Just seven minutes into play, Phiri broke the deadlock. He powerfully connected with a well-placed corner from Jackson Beza, which was expertly set up by Dalitso Nahipa. The goal capped off a vibrant opening for Creck.
Kananji made six changes to the starting eleven, introducing Nahipa, Chris Lwemba, Bayo Fatayo, Patrick Mupanzi, Phiri, and Stain Patrick. The refreshed squad displayed brilliant skill, exhibiting seamless transitions from midfield to attack and exchanging crisp passes deep in Moyale’s half.
The defensive line, marshaled by Chigaula, Lwemba, Edward, and Nahipa, perfectly contained Moyale’s threats.
Phiri, who had a stellar first half, optimized every midfield opportunity, driving forward with aggression alongside Fatayo, Ademola Ajibola, Beza, and Mupanzi. He nearly extended the lead when his free-kick goes over the crossbar.
Mupanzi, Ajibola, and Hassan also had clear chances in the dying minutes of the half, but couldn’t convert, with two of Ajibola’s shots going straight into the hands of Moyale goalkeeper Olicy Nkhwazi.
Moyale Barracks, physically robust, came out harder in the second half, pushing for an equalizer. However, Creck maintained their composure and momentum until the final whistle, securing the crucial victory.
Goalkeeper Brighton Munthali was also instrumental, making several key saves in one-on-one situations against Moyale talisman Raphael Phiri.
In his post-match press conference, Eliya Kananji highlighted the team’s disciplined defensive effort and praised Mupanzi’s performance, noting a significant improvement from our previous game against Civil Service United.
The win sees Creck Sporting Club climb three places from eleventh to eighth position in the league, accumulating fourteen points.
We will host Silver Strikers in our next assignment on Wednesday at the same venue.
