Bad start for Flames
Malawi had had a disastrous start in the Four Nations Tournament after losing 4-0 to Kenya at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe yesterday.
Kenya took the lead in the first minute through captain Michael Olunga Ogaga.
The striker then doubled the lead from the spot in the 5th minute.
The Harambee Stars then added the third in the 82nd minute through Ayubu Timbe Masika before John Avura made it 4-0 in added on time.
Malawi were nervious from the word go and could not pass the ball properly.
Kenya player during the match
But gradually they recovered and started going forward as the first-half wore on
In the 33rd minute substitute Lanjesi Nkhoma, who had replaced Joseph Balakasi, weaved his way past Kenya defenders, but his shot was deflected for a corner which was wasted.
Nkhoma forced another corner soon after, but again nothing came of it.
Towards the end of the first-half, Kenya again took charge with good movement of the ball.
After recess, the Harambe Stars again started strongly, moving the ball around with purpose as the hosts chased ghosts.
Just a minute after recess Crispin Orambo Otiene’s goal-bound shot was blocked by Stanley Sanudi.
Malawi had an opportunity to get back into the game in the 69th minute after being awarded a penalty, but Lloyd Aaron saw his spot kick saved by Kenya goalkeeper Patrick Mutsotsi Matasi.
The Engin Firat-mentored side were tactically superior as they moved the ball around with discipline.
Later in the game substitute Henri Kumwenda, who came in for Frank Gabadihno Mhango, had his close-range shot saved by Matasi.
In a post-match interview, Firat said he was happy with the performance of his team.
He said: “It was a good match for us. We had new four players who really understood our strategy. We were fantastic on the ball and Malawi showed a fighting spirit, but we prevailed. It was a difficult game despite the big margin. It was a good experience for us.
“If you play positive quality football, the results will come. But if you depend on luck you are going nowhere. You have to be focused and we were focused.”
Mabedi admitted that his boys “didn’t show up” in time .
“This team didn’t play a competitive match prior to the tournament.
“The pre-season also affected our preparations. Today we started sluggishly.
“We were too static. In fact, we didn’t show up in the first 25 minutes or so.
“When we started to get back, we had already conceded two goals. It’s not an excuse as we need to start finding solutions,” he said.
