Bangladesh hold Flames
The Flames yesterday drew 1-1 against lowly ranked Bangladesh in a friendly match played at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Sports City in Saudi Arabia.
In a match monitored on Bangladesh Football Association Facebook age, substitute Chiukepo Msowoya put the Flames in the lead in the 75th minute, but the Bangal Tigers levelled through Bishnawath Ghosh in the 89th minute of the match played behind closed doors, but live streamed on Bangladesh Facebook page.
The Malawi National Fooball Team, ranked 124 by Fifa, are tuning up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt on March 24 and 28 while Bangladesh, ranked 199 in the world, are preparing for a Tri-Nation tournament between March 20 and 28.
In this first ever meeting between the two sides, Flames coach Mario Marinica started Charles Thom in goals with Gomezgani Chirwa, Kieran Ngwenya, Lawrence Chaziya and Paul Ndhlovu in defence.
In midfield, he opted for Frank Wilard, Chimwemwe Idana, Francisco Madinga and Micium Mhone while Gaddie Chirwa and Christopher Kumwembe started upfront.
But after a deadlock in the first half, Marinica substituted the whole first XI.
He introduced Chawanangwa Gumbo, Brighton Munthali, Kelvin Kadzinje, Stanley Sanudi, Mark Fodya, Miracle Gabeya, Nickson Mwase, Gilbert Chirwa, Blessings Mpokera, Alick Lungu, Msowoya and Stain Davie.
The changes paid dividends as Msowoya powered home to give the Flames the lead.
However, it was short-lived as Bangladesh levelled through Ghosh just a minute before full time. The Flames have had a weakness of conceding in the dying minutes.
Marinica could not be reached for comment as we went to press yesterday.
But he was quoted by The Nation before the match as having said his charges would play to win to pay tribute to those who died from Tropical Cyclone Freddy.
