Lesotho beat Flames in Cosafa opener
Malawi’s Flames have a mountain to climb to make it to the 2022 Cosafa Cup quarter-finals after going down 2-1 to Lesotho in Group B at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban, South Africa.
After leaders e-Swatini thrashed Mauritius 3-0 in the pool’s first match, Malawi now lie third while the Islanders anchor the group.
The Flames need to beat Mauritius and Swaziland in their remaining group matches to make it to the quarter-finals.
An own goal from defender Sankhani Mkandawire and striker Katlego Makateng’s second half goal shattered Malawi’s hopes of a dream start at the tournament.
Marinica, who went into the match keen to end Lesotho’s unbeaten record against Malawi, carefully picked his squad pulling no punches.
In the absence of injured Charles Thom, Civo goalkeeper Ernest Kakhobwe started the match.
Nyasa Big Bullets left-back Precious Sambani also returned for the first time since March 2021 alongside Mighty Mukuru Wanderers right back Stanley Sanudi.
Marinica introduced a new set of centrebacks in Blue Eagles Sankhani Mkandawire and Bullets’ Blessing Mpokera.
But he maintained the midfield with favourite Chimwemwe Idana in the centre, captain John CJ Banda on the right and Chikoti Chirwa on the left.
Upfront Khuda Muyaba, Frank Gabadinho Mhango and Stain Davie were also maintained.
From the start the Flames were the better side in terms of swaying the tempo of play.
But what promised to be a perfect evening ended terribly when a combination of mistakes from Flames central defenders gifted Lesotho an own goal from Mkandawire in the 14th minute.
The Blue Eagles defender deflected Makateng shot, sending goalkeeper Ernest Kakhobwe the wrong way.
Another blunder at the back by Stanley Sanudi allowed Makateng to double the lead in the 56th minute.
The second goal deflated Malawi’s confidence and Marinica had to make changes to try and reorganise his troops.
Peter Banda, Schumacher Kuwali, Chiukepo Msowoya and Patrick Mwaungulu came in for Chirwa, Davie, Mhango and Muyaba which helped the team regain the rhythm it started with.
But it was too little too late as a spirited performance from Lesotho goalkeeper, who was deservedly named man of the match, also helped Lesotho maintain the status quo.
Even after Msowoya back -heeled in a Peter Banda cross in the 88th minute, the damage had already been done as Malawi sunk yet again to Lesotho.
Marinica said the Flames played according to game plan, only that the chances created were not utilised.
He said: “Their goalkeeper was good and named man of the match.
“That was the difference.”
