Flames seek to turn tables against Benin
Flames coach Young Chimodzi has told his players to attack relentlessly if they are going to counter Benin threat this afternoon at Kamuzu Stadium in Malawi’s commercial capital, Blantyre.
Briefing Weekend Nation, after a Thursday morning training session with his charges, the former Flames legend said the best strategy against a team with an upper hand is being offensive.
“They (Benin) are one goal up. For us to progress, we need to be on the offensive throughout the match. We cannot afford to be defensive. It is a must-win game,” said Chimodzi.
The Squirrels of Benin are not at this stage accidentally, but on merit looking at their recent fixtures. Before facing the Flames, they beat Sao Tome with 2-0 margins in both away and at home.
They also had a double against Rwanda, winning 4-0 to progress.
On the other hand, while the Flames have not done well on the road, they have made up for the losses at home. A 2-0 win against Chad at home still enabled them to proceed in the tournament on an away goal advantage after losing 1-3 in Chad in the second leg.
On Fifa rankings, Benin are number 87 while Malawi are 121.
Chimodzi admitted that in terms of quality the Squirrels are better than the Flames.
“We must acknowledge that they have quality players with tactical discipline. But we know the nation expects a lot from us and it is that expectation that will drive the players. We turned the tables against Chad and we can do it against Benin,” said Chimodzi.
The Flames have been boosted by the coming in of Gabadinho Mhango.
Gaba is a proved marksman and he is bold when taking on defenders. He has proved that on national duty and at his club in South Africa.
“Gaba is a very important player for us. We missed his contribution in the first leg and we believe he can make a difference on Saturday. In games like these, it is important to have all your best players,” said Chimodzi.
He also has a positive option in forward Gastin Simkonda who can rise to the occasion as he has proved in the past.
Simkonda and Christopher John Banda are some of the local players who are lethal when in front of goals.
In midfield, Joseph Kamwendo’s experience can also work to the home team advantage, especially in set pieces.
Benin coach Didier Olle-Nicole also said he expects a tough game against Malawi.
“It will be a higher level in adversity,” he told reporters in Cotonou.
In the first leg, Benin relied heavily on West Bromwich Albion midfielder Stephane Sessegnon, whose 19th minute goal did the damage to the Flames. He has scored four goals in the campaign and he is the leading goal scorer. Flames defence should be on the look out to contain him.
“We have worked hard in all the areas, including defence. We know Sessegnon is a threat, but so is Desire Sogbe Azankpo. It is not about focusing on one man, but having a strategy to contain them as a team,” said the Flames mentor.
