Three coaches in four games, same results: Tigers suffer another defeat

Mighty Tigers 1-2 Creck Sporting Club
Kamuzu Stadium, Wednesday

Mighty Tigers’ struggles have reached a new low as they suffered their 11th defeat of the season, with former player George Chaomba returning to haunt his old club.

The Kay-Kau Boys were beaten 2-1 by Creck Sporting Club at Kamuzu Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, a defeat that has dropped them from 14th to 15th on the log table following Mzuzu City Hammers’ win over Dedza Dynamos.

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With the victory, Creck have climbed to 9th from 12th, sitting just one point behind the top eight teams. Tigers, meanwhile, are in a perilous position with only 17 points from 20 games.

Heading into the game, Tigers were looking to end their eight-game winless run and show fight for survival. Unfortunately, their poor form has now extended to nine games without a victory.

Leo Mpulura was recently redeployed to the role of scouting manager, with his last game in charge being a 2-1 home defeat to Karonga United. On their trip to Mzuzu, an interim coach led the team to just one point from six available, including a loss to Mzuzu City Hammers and squandering a two-goal lead.

On Wednesday, Trevor Kajawa began his rescue mission after leaving Chilobwe Football Club in the Southern Region Football League to return to Tigers. However, his debut didn’t go to plan as the team failed to collect points at home.

Creck, on the other hand, were seeking a third win under Elia Kananji in the league—his 12th match in charge. They were also hunting their first win in Blantyre since their promotion to the Super League in 2024, and the result proved record-breaking.

Before some fans had even taken their seats, former Chilomoni forward Patrick Mupanzi stunned the hosts with a clinical finish. He connected with Brighton Munthali’s long ball to give Creck the lead just eight minutes into the match.

Despite the early setback, Tigers tried to roar back into the game. They won back-to-back corners which Creck defended well, but their persistence paid off when they were awarded a penalty after Jauma Edward brought down Grayson Msowoya in the box. Masambiro Kalua converted from the spot to restore parity.

The teams went into the break level, but Creck started the second half stronger. Hassan Hussien forced Tigers goalkeeper Sunganan Mponda into a save early in the period.

Tigers responded with a fierce attack. Goalkeeper Brighton Munthali denied Masambiro Kalua a brace, saving his effort after he connected with passes from Grayson Msowoya and Wisdom Jere. The rebound attempt went wide.

As many thought the game was destined for a 1-1 stalemate, George Chaomba had other ideas. The former Tigers player stunned his old team by connecting with Harvey Nasiyaya’s delivery to beat the goalkeeper, handing Creck their first win in Blantyre since promotion.

What’s Next?

Creck Sporting Club will shift their attention to the FDH Bank Cup quarterfinal as they host Mighty Wanderers in Mchinji on Sunday before returning to league action against Silver Strikers on Tuesday.

Mighty Tigers will have six days to rest and regroup before traveling to Lilongwe to face in-form Civil Service United on Wednesday.

Featured image courtesy of Martin Mpungah/442 Malawi