What a shame: Under-20 lose at home to Angola

Malawi Under-20 national football team yesterday had an opportunity to beat Angola in the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier first leg at Bingu National Stadium.

But again, it was the same song of a combination of lack of accuracy, bad lack, poor defending and lack of composure when in front of goal.

As a result the team paid heavily losing 2-1.

Meaning the team will travel to Angola already disadvantaged having conceeded two away goals.

It seems the technical panel is struggling to hone a potent attack since this problem of failing to score has become perennial.

Nothing seem to be working for the Malawi national football teams.

The Under-20 team conceded a goal as early as the first minute.

Joao Mivo scored after some poor defending.

There was plenty of time to recover and level but to no avail as Peter Banda and Chinsinsi Maonga missed several chances.

Angola doubled the score in the 64th minute through Arilson Jose after defender Timothy Silwimba gifted the ball to the visitors through bad clearance.

The second goal brought gloom in the stadium.

Even Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu, who watched the match, was a reflection of disappointment.

Malawi pulled one back in the 80th minute through Chikondi Mbeta after exchange of passes between Banda and Maonga.

Mbeta tapped the ball in after Maonga curved in a pass past Angola defenders.

A dejected Malawi coach Meke Mwase praised his boys for displaying good football despite the loss.

“If I say the players played badly, I would be lying. It was a good performance. But we were not good enough when in front of goal. It is painful to lose. I thank the fans for their support today despite not giving them victory,” he said.

Angolan coach Jose Silvestre described the result as good.

“The early goal gave us tranquility and the pressure was off us. The result is good, but we need to do more in the second leg. Malawi is a strong side and we need not relax,” he said.

The second leg will be played in a fortnight in Angola.