Flames salvage pride

The Flames yesterday held Guinea to a two-all draw at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe in their last Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifier.

The result means the Flames have finished the campaign on third position with five points.

Egypt and Guinea, who already qualified for Ivory Coast finals, are on first and second with 15 and 12 points, respectively  while Ethiopia anchor the group with four.

The hosts had gone ahead in the 22nd minute through Robert Saizi, only to lose the lead in the 56th and 58th minute as Guinea replied through Aguibou Camara and substitute Saidou Sow.

But the hosts rallied and got level through Lawrence Chaziya three minutes before the end.

Malawi had an eventful first-half, creating close to four good scoring chances.

The Flames’ efforts paid off in when a Guinea failed to get hold of a seemingly harmless back pass and Lanjesi Nkhoma, who was was lurking around fired a shot which deflected off a defender only to land on the path of Saizi to put the ball past goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone.

The goal brought about relief in the stadium and a spontaneous cheer went up.

With three minutes before recess, Saizi had an opportunity to score his second goal, unfortunately his shot was deflected for a cornerkick.

Guinea coach made three changes at half-time, bringing in Seydouba Cisse who replaced  Morlaye Sylla while Ilaix Moriba came in for Ibrahuna Cisse.

Sow was introduced for  Mohamed Ali Camara and the changes  made a huge impact.

After just a minute, a good exchange of passes  involving Amadou Diawara, Seydouba Cisse and Moriba Kourouma managed to split Malawi  midfield and defence.

Kourouma effort was fumbled by substitute goalkeeper Clever Nkungula  who replaced injured Brighton Munthali at hlaf-time, but the hosts survived.

The visitors ramped up the pressure dominating play and deservedly got level in the 56th  through Aguibou Camara with a cleverly executed goal from a stunning shot outside the 18 yard box that gave Nkungula no chance.

Guinea then went ahead a couple of minutes later when Mouctar Diakhaby floated the ball which hit the post only for the rebound to fall at the unmarked Sow who made it 2-1.

But the hosts recovered from slumber and with time running out they took the game to the visitors.

However, Chaziya levelled with three minutes before full-time with a powerful offensive  header from Saizi corner kick which bounced before hitting the net past Kone.