Chitipa, CRECK Share Spoils in TNM Super League action

Chitipa United and CRECK Sporting Club played out a goalless draw in a tightly contested affair at Chitipa Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with both sides failing to capitalise on a flurry of chances created throughout the match.

Despite the lack of goals, the match had no shortage of attacking intent, and it was Chitipa’s energetic defender Eric Atsiga who was named man of the match for his commanding presence at the back.

The hosts, Chitipa United, started brightly, creating two good chances inside the opening five minutes but were unable to convert. Rajab Nyirenda came close to breaking the deadlock in the 12th minute when he delivered a fine aerial ball to Mally Kasongo, whose tame header was easily collected by CRECK goalkeeper Emmance Nyirenda.

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Nelson Sikaona was guilty of missing two golden chances for Chitipa, first failing to beat the goalkeeper after dribbling past two defenders in the 15th minute, and later heading wide from Dan Mywanga’s precise delivery in the 22nd minute.

CRECK responded with their own attacking threat as Kondwani Chilembwe saw his header sail wide on their first real opportunity in the 26th minute.

Both teams went into the break locked at 0-0 despite the clear chances, with Chitipa perhaps feeling they should have taken the lead given their dominance.

The second half saw Chitipa make three changes at the restart, introducing Raphael Nkhoma, Fahad Mtcheka, and Andrew Joseph to inject fresh energy. CRECK responded with their own substitution, bringing on Miracle Gabeya for Jauma Edward.

Chitipa continued to push for an opener and were awarded a free kick just outside the box five minutes into the second half, but Nyirenda’s effort was blocked by the wall.

More changes followed on both ends as the coaches looked to shake things up, but neither side found the clinical edge required in the final third.Late attempts to break the deadlock proved fruitless, and despite Chitipa’s overall territorial advantage and creativity from midfield, the match ended goalless.

Goalkeeper Emmance Nyirenda required brief medical attention towards the end, but he recovered to see out the final moments.

In the end, both teams shared the spoils in what was a spirited contest, with Chitipa United perhaps ruing missed opportunities while CRECK Sporting Club held firm to earn a valuable away point.