Chan battle to the wire
Malawi National Football Team, the Flames have made life difficult for themselves after a one-all draw against Mozambique’s Mambas in Africa Nations Championship (Chan) second and final round qualifier first leg at Bingu Stadium in Lilongwe.
The result means the qualification battle will go to the wire in the return leg set for Maputo in two weeks.
Despite an aggressive start to the game, it was the visitors who drew first blood in the eighth minute when forward Nerson Divrassone powered into the bottom of the net from close range beating Charles Thom in goals.
The visitors could have easily scored the second in the 10th minute when Miracle Gabeya cut down Divrassone just outside the box, but the resultant free kick taken by Danilo Muze flew over.
After the goal the Mambas reigned supreme for some 10 minutes, raiding the Malawi defence at will.
Gradually, the hosts settled and, buoyed by the home crowd support, started taking the game to the visitors.
Midfielders Chimwemwe Idana, Micium Mhone and play maker Yamikani Chester took control of the midfield and started supplying the attacking duo of Sulumba and Stein Davie with balls.
Sulumba made good runs behind enemy lines and was twice unfortunate not to score shooting wide on both occasions.
The much awaited goal came from outstanding Chester in the 21st minute when his clever goal-bound in-swing screamed past Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan Albeto Siluane, sending the stadium into spasms of joy.
The goal rejuvenated the hosts who went into extra gear in second half, tearing the visitors’ defence at will.
But poor finishing betrayed the Flames.
Substitute Gaddie Chirwa, who replaced his team mate at Blue Eagles Mhone, was guilty of messing up the easiest of chances in the 47th minute.
Davie nearly gave the hosts the lead in the 53rd minute when his goal-bound attempt was deflected for a corner with Siluane out of position.
The Silver Striker marksman again wasted another opportunity shooting straight into the palms of Siluane from close range.
Flames coach Mario Marinica made more changes, taking out injured Davie for Chiukepo Msowoya and injured Chester for Lanjesi Nkhoma.
But the substitutions did not help the Flames and the momentum was lost.
For Mozambique coach Chiquinho Conde, the draw was good result as he goes back home with an away goal.
But for Marinica the pressure is mounting for the coach to fulfil the second target set by Football Association of Malawi after missing the Cosafa Cup.
“The return leg is going to be a tough one,” he said.
