Bad outing for Flames

Benin’s England-based talisman Stephane Sessegnon yesterday struck the lone goal against the Flames that gave the Squirrels an advantage in the first leg encounter of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final preliminary round.

In a match played in front of an intimidating atmosphere at Stade de L’Amite in Cotonou, the hosts surged ahead in the 18th minute when the West Bromwich Albion winger turned Francis Mulimbika inside out to score a spectacular goal and the huge turnout was on cloud nine.

According to MBC Radio 2 which provided live commentary, Flames, featuring a 4-5-1 formation, were on the backfoot for the better part of the match with Sessegnon, Muriri and another England-based midfielder Johnson turning on the heat.

Flames’ most experienced player on the field, Joseph Kamwendo, stood out to be counted and played his lungs out, but sadly, there was no end product upfront where burly forward Chiukepo Msowoya featured as a lone striker and the task was just too much for him. The defensive formation did not help matters either as the Flames played too deep.

In the second-half, coach Young Chimodzi threw in the Banda brothers, Frank and John, for Robin Ngalande and Ndaziona Chatsalira, but the Flames could still not break through.

Moments later, Frank and Benin’s Adel were shown red cards after a confrontation.

Later on, Sankhani Mkandawire replaced injured Harry Nyirenda.

After the match, Chimodzi blamed Tunisian referee Yousuf for the loss.

“Benin’s goal was scored from a clearly off-side position. He did not help us,” Chimodzi told MBC Radio 2.