Flames’ semi-final qualification chances at the HollywoodBets Cosafa Cup hang by the thread following their goalless draw against Namibia’s Brave Warriors yesterday at Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Malawi still anchor Group B with a point, having lost their first match 1-0 to Lesotho’s Likuena and they trail group leaders and holders Angola’s Palancas Negras by three points.
Lesotho are second with three points while Namibia are third with two points.
This means that the Flames must win their last group match against the Angolans, who thumped Lesotho 4-0 in an earlier kick-off yesterday, by at least four-goal margin to have a chance of sailing though. A tall order
In yesterday’s match monitored on SuperSport television, Malawi, who are making their 24th attempt at the regional showpiece, started at full-throttle, forcing the Brave Warriors into rearguard action.
The Flames thought they had taken the lead in the 14th minute when winger Chikumbutso Salima, who was a handful for the Brave Warriors, found the back of the net, but a video assistant (VAR) review ruled it off-side.
And relief was written all over the Namibians’ faces, who woke up from their slumber and almost took the lead moments later, but Joslin Kamatuka’s fabulous curler was brilliantly kept out by Flames goalkeeper George Chikooka.
Despite enjoying 57 percent possession in this half against Namibia’s 43, Malawi could not create meaningful chances and only had one attempt on target just like their opponents.
Sensing danger, Malawi pushed hard in the second half in which they created a plethora of chances, but failed to make them count.
Yankho Singo struck with verocity in the 46th minute, but it was saved by Namibia goalkeeper Kamajanda Ndisiro.
With a minute to go, Promise Kamwendo missed a chance from close range and a minute later, Salima was seconds late to connect home Wisdom Mpinganjira’s beautiful pass.
However, the Namibians, soaked up the pressure, hoping for a smash-and-grab, but it ended goalless.
Mpinganjira, who captained the Flames, was named man-of-the-match.
Flames assistant coach Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda said: “I am very happy with the way the boys played, unfortunately, we could not get a goal. But I am proud of the boys.”
On the team’s chances, the former Flames skipper was a bit elusive, saying: “We have a slight chance, [with this result], we we have given ourselves a chance to remain in contention.”
On the other hand, Namibia coach Collin Benjamin said: “It was a difficult one, we had trouble containing Malawi in long balls behind our back.
“But we are Brave Warriors and we will regroup and go full force in our last group fixture [against Lesotho].”
