Eliya Kananji has built a reputation as a cup specialist, and this afternoon presents another opportunity for the experienced coach to add to his impressive knockout tournament pedigree when Creck Sporting Club take on Dedza Dynamos at Aubrey Dimba Stadium in the Castel Challenge Cup.
Kananji’s cup credentials speak for themselves. He lifted the Carlsberg Cup twice in consecutive years, first with Mighty Wanderers in 2016 and then with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets in 2017. Last season, he guided Blue Eagles to FDH Bank Cup glory while the team was competing in the Central Region Premier Division.
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However, his journey with Creck Sporting has yet to yield silverware. Last season’s Castel Challenge Cup campaign ended in heartbreak when they fell to Mighty Wanderers in the quarterfinals, losing 3-1 on penalties after a goalless draw.
Now, with another cup run beckoning, Kananji is determined to guide Creck to the trophy that has so far eluded them.
This afternoon’s opponents arrive at vastly different points in their seasons. Dedza Dynamos endured a difficult campaign, narrowly escaping relegation, while Creck Sporting finished a respectable eighth and secured qualification for the Airtel Top 8 Cup for the second consecutive year.
The recent head-to-head record heavily favors Creck, who completed a league double over Dedza this season, collecting all six points from their two encounters.
Kananji’s Cautious Optimism
Despite the apparent advantage, Kananji is taking nothing for granted, acknowledging the unique pressures of knockout football.
“This will be a different game altogether, but the boys are ready to make it through,” said the gaffer. “We’ve worked on creating chances and utilizing every half chance. Eyes forward, aiming for victory in the end, but it won’t be easy.”
The coach believes his squad’s recent form could be the catalyst for a deep tournament run. Creck Sporting concluded their league campaign with three consecutive victories against Ekhaya FC, Dedza Dynamos, and Mafco FC—the club’s first-ever three-match winning streak in a single season.
“I believe in this squad. The way we’ve finished the season can open a pathway all the way to the final,” Kananji added. “But it starts here, one step at a time. This is our last hope this season, and we can achieve something special.”
Last season’s cup journey saw Creck Sporting navigate past Ergo Football from Kasungu in the Round of 64 and Dowa Eagles in the Round of 32 before their quarterfinal exit against Wanderers.
The stakes are clear: today’s winners will face Karonga United in the Round of 16, who have already booked their spot after eliminating Lufita United in Chitipa.
For Kananji, a coach synonymous with cup success, the Castel Challenge Cup represents unfinished business—and an opportunity to once again prove why he’s regarded as one of the finest knockout competition tacticians in the game.
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