Gerald Phiri nets in Flames’ loss
There were positives and, negatives to pick from the rubble of the Flames’ 2-1 defeat to Bafana Bafana during a training match played on Friday at the Mogwese Stadium, North West Province in South Africa.
During the Cosafa Cup warm up, the Flames featured Muhamad Sulumba and Zicco Mkanda upfront, with Chimango Kaira and Chikoti Chirwa pulling midfield strings while being sandwiched by Fischer Kondowe and Frank Banda. John Lanjesi, Lucky Malata, Limbikani Mzava and Francis Mlimbika lined up, at the back.
However, just like in the 2-0 loss to Zambia two weeks ago, the Flames put in an abject display. Little wonder Bafana Bafana scored in the 12th minute through Tlou Segolela who was a last-gasp addition to the injury-hit South Africa squad.
Bafana Bafana struck again in the 25th minute through Phumelele Bengu following a defensive mix up in the Flames six-yard box.
However, the tide of the game changed on its head when coach Young Chimodzi pulled out Kondowe and Mkanda for John Banda and Robin Ngalande respectively.
Eventually, the introduction of Micium Mhone for Frank Banda, Gerald Phiri for Chirwa completed the revival. The Caps United attacker, on his first run for the Flames, had been on the pitch for only five minutes when he blasted into the net from a free-kick.
So the likes of Sulumba have done little to impress but there is hope in Phiri and Mhone. Defensively, conceding four goals in two matches is not good enough whereas the midfield look impressive.
The match was part of the team’s preparations for a Cosafa Cup quarter-final match against Mozambique tomorrow at Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace. Assistant coach Jack Chamangwana analysed the game.
“The game was of two halves. The first-half we started badly. We gave away very cheap goals. The players looked tensed and failed to play their game. But we came out very strong in the second-half and played our normal game taking the game to the opponents and it worked we scored one and could have scored more. But all in all we have a picture as to who is ready to play on Monday against Mozambique,”
Chamangwana said.
