A difficult run continued for Ekhaya FC in the FDH Bank Premiership as The Cowboys surrendered a two-goal advantage to fall 3-2 against Creck Sporting Club on Saturday afternoon in the FDH Bank Premiership.
In-form forward Chimwemwe Chunga handed Ekhaya a dream start, netting a first-half brace to put the visitors firmly in control.
However, second-half goals from Patrick Mupanzi and former Ekhaya man Clever Chikwata inspired a dramatic comeback for the hosts, who snatched all three points late in the contest.
What Happened
The Cowboys began the match on the front foot, asserting their authority early on with controlled possession and purposeful attacking play.
Their dominance would pay off in the 17th minute when Chunga dispossessed a Creck defender, rounded the goalkeeper, and calmly slotted into an empty net to open the scoring.
Nine minutes later, Chunga doubled the advantage in spectacular fashion, unleashing a powerful strike from outside the box to make it 0-2.
With momentum fully in their favour, Ekhaya looked poised to extend their lead further, dictating play and combining well in attacking areas.
Despite the pressure, Creck Sporting managed to reach halftime trailing by just two goals.
After the break, Ekhaya maintained their control, with Levie Mnyenyembe and Chunga continuing to trouble the hosts down the flanks.
However, against the run of play, Creck were awarded a penalty just before the hour mark. Clever Chikwata stepped up and converted to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
In response, Coach Enos Chatama made a double substitution, introducing James Lumbe and Aubrey Simbi in place of Blessings Malinda and Hermas Masinja.
The changes kept Ekhaya competitive, and they continued to create chances, but Creck goalkeeper Emmance Nyirenda produced a series of key saves to deny the visitors a third goal.
Creck grew into the game and eventually found an equaliser when Patrick Mupanzi made a well-timed run behind the defence before finishing past Clever Mkungula to level the score at 2-2.
Pushing forward in search of a winner, Ekhaya left spaces at the back, and the hosts capitalised late on.
Chikwata struck again with a curling effort from around 25 metres, completing the comeback and sealing a 3-2 victory for Creck Sporting.
From a commanding position, The Cowboys were left chasing the game, but time ran out before they could salvage a point.
What It Means
The result leaves Ekhaya FC in 10th position on the table with 17 points from 14 matches, having recorded four wins, five draws, and five defeats. It also extends their winless run to five games, underlining a challenging spell for The Cowboys.
What Follows
Attention now turns to cup action as The Cowboys prepare for the Airtel Top 8 Final. We face Mighty Wanderers FC at Bingu National Stadium next Sunday, aiming to bounce back and make a statement in their debut appearance in the competition.
