Patrick Mupanzi’s 4th-minute strike was all that mattered as Creck Sporting Club secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Dedza Dynamos at Dedza Stadium, booking a place in the Round of 16 of the FDH Bank Cup.

The opener came early when Kondwani Chilembwe initiated the move, releasing Misheck Bottoman, who set up Mupanzi inside the six-yard box.

With composure, Mupanzi slotted past the Dedza goalkeeper to give Creck the lead.

Creck continued to press from the flanks, with Frank Phiri and Chilembwe causing problems in midfield, leaving the hosts struggling to settle.

At the back, captain Hardy Ng’andu marshalled the defence well alongside Miracle Gabeya, Dalitso Nahipa, and Jauma Edward, who dealt comfortably with Dedza’s set-pieces.

At the break, coach Eliya Kananji was forced into several changes due to injuries. George Chaomba, Ng’andu, Brighton Munthali, and Jackson Beza all made way for Talandira Chigaula, Harvey Nasiyaya, Gift Kadawati, and goalkeeper Emmance Nyirenda.

Later, Bottoman was replaced by Nigerian Bayo Fatayo, who took control of the midfield and dictated the tempo.

Dedza nearly found an equaliser through a Frank Sanudi free-kick, but substitute keeper Nyirenda reacted well, fumbling yet recovering in time to deny the hosts.

In the closing stages, Dynamos mounted pressure, winning a series of corners and dangerous free-kicks, but Creck’s resilience held firm until the final whistle.

With the hard-fought win, Creck Sporting advances to the Round of 16, where we will host Moyale Barracks at Aubrey Dimba Stadium.

Attention now turns to the TNM Super League, as we prepares to welcome Civil Service United this Saturday to mark the start of the second round of the campaign.