Flames betrayed by lack of killer punch

The currency of football is scoring goals and, therefore, it was not surprising that despite crafting a plethora of chances on a bright Wednesday afternoon, the Flames could just not find the back of the net and, in the end, were held to a goalless draw by the Brave Warriors of Namibia in a 2014 World Cup qualifier.

The dream is not beyond the realms of possibility, but the painful reality is that the result left Malawi with a whole mountain to climb as their destiny is no longer in their hands. The Flames, who now have six points with two games to wind up Group F qualifiers, now trail Nigeria’s Super Eagles by two points.

Needing a win to remain firmly in contention for the final phase of the global showcase qualification, the Flames were left searching their soul after a disappointing show and Nigeria now have a spring in their step going into their next match against Namibia on Wednesday.

The defence, in particular Limbikani ‘Pupa’ Mzava who was switched to a central defending role following James Sangala’s abscence, was rock solid even though his mesh Harry Nyirenda appeared nervy at times.

Youthful defender Bongani Kaipa, who was playing his first full international match at senior level, started on a slow note, but picked up as the game progressed and frustrated Namibia’s attacks on the left.

In the early stages, the central midfield comprising captain Joseph ‘Shakira’ Kamwendo and Robert ‘Baggio’ Ng’ambi were on song with their trademark deft touches and exquisite passing, but as the match progressed, Ng’ambi lost his steam and needlessly gave away possession.

Wingers Fischer ‘Anong’a’ Kondowe and Douglas ‘Chibadula’ Chirambo failed to display their usual coherent football and clever runs on the flanks. They were also guilty of floating in high crosses which were easily dealt with by the tall Namibian defenders and their ever-alert goaltender Virgrill Vries.

Upfront, Robin Ngalande greased the wheels of industry, but lacked support as his partner Atusaye Nyondo was a peripheral figure.

The strikers did also not get normal service from midfield, but only Ngalande dropped back to get the balls. They never looked remotely capable of causing any threat to the Namibian defence.

After shrugging off some first-half lethargy, the Flames raised the tempo of their game after the introduction of veteran forward Esau Kanyenda who appeared to lift his teammates’ spirits with sheer force of will as Kamwendo and Ngalande asserting themselves with some fancy footwork, but it was not enough as the Namibians held on by the skin of their teeth.

They started the second-half with renewed purpose— hurling themselves forward, creating chances, missing them.

As desperation took its toll, Kanyenda took it upon himself and lifted himself into overdrive—creating chances for himself and others.

In the 64th minute, he gulled two opponents then laid the ball invitingly into the path of Ngalande and with the fans already on the feet, his shot was blocked.

A minute later, Douglas Chirambo’s shot squirmed past the Namibian goalminder, but went narrowly wide.

In the 68th minute, Kanyenda released a powerful shot, but again, Vries parried it into safety. Then Ng’ambi dinked the ball over the bar from close range with the goalkeeper well beaten.

The closest that the Flames came to scoring was with 10 minutes to full time when Joseph Kamwendo’s fabulous free-kick was complemented by a beautiful header by Kanyenda, but it hit the post.

Former Flames captain Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda said while there was an aweful lot of expectation, the Flames did not have an ounce of luck.

“There were some weaknesses and we might have failed to take our chances, but we were unlucky on the day. My take is that performance was good compared to the match against Zimbabwe,” said Mponda.