Match preview: Civil Service United vs. Creck Sporting

Wednesday afternoon in Lilongwe sets the stage for a compelling TNM Super League fixture as Civil Service United host Creck Sporting at Civo Stadium.

With both teams mired in the congested bottom half of the table, three points, pride, and a climb up the standings are the paramount targets. This promises to be a fiercely competitive encounter, with historical context adding an extra layer of intrigue.

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Civil Service United: Seeking redemption at home

Civil Service United, currently second from bottom, are enduring one of their toughest seasons. The Civil Servants have amassed a mere 6 points from 8 games, scoring just 4 goals while conceding 7, and have already suffered four defeats. Their recent form highlights a critical need for greater consistency, particularly in converting chances.

Their last league outing was a goalless draw at home against MAFCO FC on June 14, 2025. However, they enter this match on the back of a 2-1 defeat to city rivals Silver Strikers in the Airtel Top 8 Cup.

This follows a difficult start to the season, which saw them lose their opening two games 1-0 to Karonga United and Ekhaya. While they enjoyed a brief three-game unbeaten run – a 2-0 win over Blue Eagles and 1-1 draws against Moyale Barracks and Chitipa United – they then lost 1-0 to Dedza Dynamos and Silver Strikers before the draw with MAFCO.

A concerning statistic for Civil Service United is their inability to score; they have failed to find the net in five of their eight league matches.

Of their four goals this season, only one striker, Precious Chipungu, has contributed, scoring a brace against Blue Eagles. The remaining goals came from a defender and a midfielder, underscoring their attacking struggles.

Playing at Civo Stadium, Civil Service United will benefit from familiar surroundings and the passionate backing of their supporters. Their recent league clean sheet against MAFCO suggests a defensive solidity when organized.

Furthermore, the memory of their 3-1 defeat to Creck Sporting in October 2024 will undoubtedly fuel a strong desire for revenge in front of their home crowd.

Creck Sporting: new coach, New ambition

Creck Sporting, placed 9th on the log with 11 points from 9 games, will be aiming to consolidate their position and potentially leapfrog rivals into the top half. While 11 points might not seem ideal for an ambitious club, in a season where points are proving hard to come by, it’s a respectable return.

A win on Wednesday could see them climb to 6th, provided Moyale Barracks, Dedza Dynamos, and Silver Strikers falter in their midweek fixtures.
This match marks an early test for new head coach Eliya Kananji, whose debut saw a 1-0 away loss to Ekhaya FC.

Kananji, who replaced Joseph Kamwendo, will be eager to kickstart his tenure with a positive result, though facing a struggling Civil Service United side will still pose a significant challenge.
Creck Sporting’s recent performances have been somewhat inconsistent.

Their 1-0 loss to Ekhaya on June 14, 2025, was a disappointing result, but it followed a three-game unbeaten streak that included draws against Kamuzu Barracks and victories over Songwe Border FC and MAFCO FC. They have recorded three wins and two draws this season and will be hoping to secure their fourth victory.

Notably, their previous win against Civil Service United in October 2024 came on the road, suggesting they are capable of performing away from home. However, like their opponents, inconsistency remains a weakness for Creck Sporting, and the recent loss to Ekhaya might impact their confidence.

The most recent significant encounter between these two sides, a 3-1 victory for Creck Sporting on October 30, 2024, will undoubtedly be a major talking point and a source of motivation for the home side seeking to reverse that outcome. Civil won the first round last season.

Given Civil Service United’s home advantage and their high motivation, they will come into this game with significant impetus. However, Creck Sporting has already demonstrated their ability to beat Civil Service United, even away from home. This fixture has all the hallmarks of a closely fought contest.