Malawi’s Flames suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Egypt their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group B qualifier at Cairo International Stadium last night, leaving their qualification hopes hanging in the balance. The Pharaohs tore into the visitors from the opening whistle, scoring twice within the first 10 minutes before adding a third in the first half. Mohamed Salah then struck twice after the break to complete the rout and condemn Kalisto Pasuwa’s men a night to forget.
Pasuwa made five changes to Lameck, who started on the Marmoush doubled Egypt’s the team that faced Angola, but bench.
advantage, with Hany again the reshuffle failed to contain Wisdom Mpinganjira providing the assist as Malawi the hosts, whose attacking replaced Blessings Singini in
struggled to cope with intensity exposed the Flames’ midfield, while Lloyd Njaliwa hosts’ pace and movement.
defensive frailties.and Patrick Mwaungulu In the 21st minute, George Chikooka made retained their places. Forward forced Egypt his first start in the qualifying Upfront, Richard Mbulu
goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir campaign in goal, replacing returned to partner Babatunde tip his effort over the crossbar William Thole, who was left Adepoju.
for a corner. Egypt proved out of the squad amid concerns But the changes offered little far more clinical. In the 38th over his lack of game time at resistance as Egypt needed
minute, Hany added a third club level. just six minutes to break the with a long-range effort that In defence, Blessings deadlock. Nasser Maher fired
caught Chikooka unawares, Mpokera and Nickson Nyasulu the hosts ahead after being set sending the hosts into the break came in for the injured Dennis up by Mohamed Hany.
with a commanding 3-0 lead. Chembezi and McDonald Four minutes later, Omar The Flames looked more organised after the restart, managing to restrict Egypt’s freedom and prevent a repeat of the first-half onslaught.
Pasuwa sought to inject fresh energy into his side in the 72nd minute, introducing Ephraim Kondowe, Festus Duwe and Gaddie Chirwa for Mwaungulu, Mpinganjira and Adepoju, respectively.
However, the Changes could not prevent Egypt from extending their lead. Salah scored the fourth in the 84th minute, beating Chikooka after the Flames goalkeeper had produced a string of saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
The former Liverpool forward then completed his brace from the penalty spot in the fifth minute of stoppage time after Chikooka was penalised for a foul inside the box.
“We made mistakes and we were punished. We respected them too much and ended up conceding too many goals.
May be because most these are youngsters and are just coming into the squad.
We played a high line, unlike in the last game when we were playing too deep. We thought we should push up. But it didn’t work and we conceded. No one wants to lose. We plan to win our home game.”
