Ekhaya FC suffered a 4–2 defeat to Creck Sporting Club in the TNM Super League of Malawi on Wednesday afternoon at Dimba Stadium, bringing a difficult afternoon for The Cowboys despite moments of quality and resilience.
Blessings Malinda gave Ekhaya a dream start with a beautifully worked opener, but the hosts, driven by a devastating Patrick Chipunzi hat-trick, eventually took control to claim all three points in an entertaining, end-to-end contest.
What Happened
From the opening exchanges, Creck looked comfortable on home soil, moving the ball with confidence and intent as they sought to impose themselves early. Ekhaya weathered the early pressure and gradually grew into the game, enjoying a dominant spell that culminated in the opening goal.
In the 23rd minute, a lovely exchange of passes carved open the Creck defence. Moses Banda burst into the box and showed great awareness to square the ball for Blessings Malinda, who finished with composure to register his third goal of the season in Ekhaya colours since his move from Civil Service United.
Buoyed by the breakthrough, Ekhaya began to enjoy more possession, but their lead proved short-lived. The hosts drew level after Ekhaya failed to deal with a corner kick, allowing Mupanzi to pounce and restore parity.
The equaliser swung momentum back in Creck’s favour, and they pushed for a second, though the teams went into the interval locked at 1–1.
The second half resumed at a frantic pace, with both sides trading attacks and looking capable of grabbing the lead.
Ekhaya’s afternoon was further complicated by injuries, having already lost Samuel Rukura early in the first half, before Wongani Kaponya was forced off before the hour mark.
Creck then struck decisively as Mupanzi unleashed a thunderous effort from range to beat the goalkeeper and complete his brace, giving the hosts a 2–1 advantage.
Ekhaya responded by making changes, introducing the likes of Levie Mnyenyembe and James Lumbe, who helped steady the side and pull the strings in midfield.
Just as Ekhaya began to build momentum again, misfortune struck. A dangerous delivery from the hosts caused panic in the box, and Kesten Simbi, attempting to clear his lines, inadvertently turned the ball into his own net to make it 3–1.
The hosts pressed their advantage, and in the 75th minute Mupanzi completed his hat-trick, capitalising on another opening to extend Creck’s lead to 4–1.
Despite the setback, Ekhaya showed character and refused to fold. In stoppage time, Levie Mnyenyembe took advantage of a slip in Creck’s defence and finished emphatically to pull one back, ensuring the contest ended 4–2.
What It Means
The result condemns Ekhaya FC to their toughest winless run of the season, stretching to five matches without a victory. After 29 games, The Cowboys remain on 39 points and sit seventh on the TNM Super League table.
Coach Enos Chatama post-Creck
“We should not blame anyone. We have to take responsibility and take this team forward. One day it will be a song that we lost five games in a row. These wounds will heal and become scars. Those scars will make us stronger and help us become champions.”
What’s Next
Focus now shifts to Ekhaya FC’s final game of the season on 27 December, when they travel to Mpira Stadium to face Mighty Tigers, looking to finish the campaign on a positive note.
