CRECK Sporting Club snapped their 55-day winless streak with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Moyale Barracks on Sunday afternoon at Dimba Stadium in Mchinji, in a TNM Super League fixture.
Frank Phiri scored the decisive goal in the 7th minute, finishing a well-placed pass from Dalitso Nahipa to give the home side an early lead. That goal proved enough to seal all three points for CRECK, who climbed from 11th to 8th in the league standings. They now sit on 14 points from 11 matches. Moyale Barracks, who started the day in 7th, dropped to 9th with 13 points.
The win was the first under new head coach Eliah Kananji, who replaced Joseph Kamwendo following a string of poor results. Kananji had endured back-to-back losses in his first two matches, but Sunday’s victory offered a much-needed boost to the club’s campaign.
The match started with high intensity. Following Phiri’s early strike, CRECK continued to press, with Nahipa nearly doubling the lead in the 11th minute, only to miss the target.
CRECK showed fluidity in their passing early on, but Moyale responded with attacking pressure of their own. In the 22nd minute, Maneno Nyoni forced a brilliant save from CRECK goalkeeper Brighton Munthali, who preserved the slim lead.
Moyale created several opportunities from set pieces, but the CRECK defense—anchored by Chris Lwemba and Talandila Chigaula—held firm. In the second half, Moyale continued their assault, with Raphael Phiri and Boniface Chuma combining well, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted.
CRECK also had chances to extend their lead. Bayo Fatayo and Patrick Mupazi both tested Moyale’s goalkeeper Olyce Nkhwazi, who kept the visitors in the game.
As full-time approached, Moyale pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Walusungu Mdoka fired wide in the 78th minute, and Ademora Ajibola squandered a golden chance for CRECK in the 84th.
In the end, Phiri’s early goal proved decisive, giving CRECK a much-needed morale boost as they look to build momentum in the coming fixtures.
Elsewhere in the League, at Chitowe Stadium, MAFCO FC capitalized on home advantage, defeating Mighty Tigers 3-1. Prince Kachere scored a brace, while Auspicious Kazongola added a third. Philip Chavula netted a consolation goal for the visitors.
Meanwhile, at Dedza Stadium, Super League newcomers Ekhaya FC held Premier Bet Dedza Dynamos to a goalless draw, earning a valuable point on the road.
