All not lost, says Mtawali
The Flames tactical shortcomings were exposed on Sunday when they twice gave away their lead against Swaziland’s Sihlangu Semnikati to be held two-all in a Group L Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
At half-time, the Flames led 2-1 at Somhlolo Stadium in Lobamba, Swaziland. However, they switched to defensive mode in the second half which proved costly and the hosts levelled the scores.
Malawi are third in the group with a point just like Guinea’s Sylli Nationale who held Zimbabwe’s Warriors to a one-all draw, but the Flames have an edge having scored more goals.
Flames coach Ernest Mtawali admitted in an interview from Mbabane yesterday that it was painful to give away a two-goal lead.
“It was very painful giving away the lead twice. Both goals for Swaziland came from crosses and the defence could have done better, but I think pressure took its toll on us. However as I said, I take the blame as the man in charge and we will work on our shortfalls,” he said.
Mtawali also said the one-all draw in the game between Zimbabwe’s Warriors and Guinea provided some solace.
“It would have been difficult had one team [between Zimbabwe and Guinea] won. We still have 12 points to fight for and we should not be counted out.
“However, we should have fought our own cause, it was in our hands and it is painful,” said Mtawali.
He also defended his move to put experienced midfielder Robert Ng’ambi on the bench, saying: “Robert has a recurring groin injury and throwing him in such a an intense match would have been unfair to him.”
Mtawali also justified the decision to take off rookie Yamikani Chester who was thrown in as a substitute.
“We were leading and the plan was to keep the ball and we felt Chester would suit perfectly, but unfortunately the stage proved too big for him.”
The Flames took an early lead when Gerald Phiri Jnr connected home a Robin Ngalande cross in the eighth minute.
However, Swaziland levelled the scores seven minutes later through captain Tony Tsabeza.
Former president Bakili Muluzi, who watched the match hailed the Flames performance and asked Malawians to rally behind the youthful squad in an interview with Matindi Radio Station.
“I am impressed with the way the team has performed, it is a youthful team and I urge Malawians to support it,’ he said.
Following were results of other games: Madagascar 0-0 Angola, CAR 2-0 DR Congo, Mauritius 1-0 Mozambique, Lesotho 1-3 Algeria, Zimbabwe 1-1 Guinea, Chad 1-5 Egypt, Kenya 1-2 Zambia.
