Ekhaya FC face Creck Sporting Club this afternoon at the Aubrey Dimba Stadium in what is their second-last TNM Super League of Malawi fixture of the season.
It is a stern test for the Cowboys against a Creck side that has turned Aubrey Dimba into a fortress.
The story of the tie
The hosts have lost only once at the venue this campaign, a narrow defeat to Mighty Wanderers FC back in May, and that home resilience will again be their biggest weapon as they push to secure their top-flight status.
Creck come into the contest on 33 points from 27 matches, sitting five points clear of the relegation zone. With safety not yet mathematically guaranteed, Eliah Kananji’s men know that a positive result this afternoon would go a long way in easing nerves heading into the final round of fixtures.
Form has been relatively encouraging too, with Creck picking up two wins in their last five outings despite a recent 2-0 setback away to Moyale FC.
Ekhaya FC, meanwhile, arrive in Blantyre placed 7th on the log with 39 points from 28 games. While the Cowboys have enjoyed a solid debut campaign at this level, recent weeks have been challenging, managing just one win in their last five league matches.
Last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets extended that winless run, and Enos Chatama will be eager to see a response from his charges as they chase a strong finish and a confirmed top-eight spot in their debut season.
There is also a fascinating subplot on the touchline. Creck gaffer Eliah Kananji is yet to record a victory against Enos Chatama, and that record adds extra spice to what is already a high-stakes encounter.
In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Ekhaya edged Creck 1-0, with Clever Chikwata’s strike proving decisive, a result the visitors will look to draw confidence from.
Team News
Ekhaya FC will be without Happy Mphepo and Alick Lungu, both sidelined through injury. Their absence will test the Cowboys’ depth, particularly in key areas of the pitch, but the coaching staff will be hopeful that those available can step up.
What the Coach Said
“It will be a tough game. They are coming from a 2-0 loss to Moyale FC, and we are also coming from a 2-0 loss to Bullets. We do not have to look at Creck’s downfall at Moyale; we just have to look at our abilities and prepare for Creck.”
Match Officials
Referee: Alfred Chilinda
Assistants: Samson Wasili, Zagallo Chimbulumata
Fourth Official: Jimmy Phiri
Match Assessor: Veron Lwanja
Matchday Tickets
Open Stand: MK3,000
VIP Stand: MK6,000
With contrasting objectives but equal motivation, all signs point to a fiercely contested afternoon at Aubrey Dimba where Ekhaya will be aiming to spoil Creck’s home comfort and keep their top-eight ambitions firmly on track.
How to Follow the Action
Stay connected:
Live updates on our official Facebook page
Live streaming on FIFA+
