Kajoke saves Flames
Flames coach Meke Mwase says there is still work to be done before Malawi face the winner of the tie between South Sudan and Seychelles in the 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifiers next month.
The tactician said this yesterday after Malawi were held to a one-all draw by hosts Lesotho at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru.
A star-studded Flames struggled to contain the hosts who featured local-based players as they prepare for the African Nations Championship qualifier against Zimbabwe.
The hosts were all over the Flames in the first half as they created multiple scoring opportunities, but goalkeeper Brighton Munthali made some impressive saves, including two one-on-one situations.
The half ended goalless.
The Flames only found their rhythm in the second half after Mwase made several changes.
He pulled out Gabadinho Mhango, Gerald Phiri Jnr, Chimwemwe Idana, goalkeeper Munthali and Richard Mbulu for Robin Ngalande, Micium Mhone, Hassan Kajoke, Chimango Kayira and Ernest Kakhobwe, respectively.
Malawi had a chance to go up in the 61st minute when they were awarded a penalty following a handball by Lesotho captain Basia Makepe in the box.
But Kajoke’s weak shot was saved by Lesotho goalkeeper Moerane Sekhoane.
Lesotho went on to take the lead from the spot kick through Hlompho Kalake in the 82nd minute after Kakhobwe fouled a Lesotho striker.
But Kajoke made amends to his earlier mistake by scoring from a goal mouth scramble in the 88th minute.
However, Mwase said he was not impressed with the team’s performance.
“We didn’t play our usual game. Maybe because it was a friendly,” he said. His counterpart Thabo Senong thanked Malawi for giving his charges a good game with a full strength squad.
