The Flames coach Patrick Mabedi has applauded goalkeeper William Thole for his performance in Malawi’s 1-0 loss to Senegal on Tuesday in the 2025 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Having previously said Thole was not national team material because he lacked footwork, Mabedi has all along been reluctant to call the Mighty Mukuru Wanderers goalminder.
However, he had to recall him for the match after first choice goalkeeper Brighton Munthali was red carded in the first leg in Dakar and his replacement George Chikooka ended up conceding four goals.
Chikooka had earlier conceded three goals against Burkina Faso and three against Burundi, while Munthali was injured, prompting Mabedi to opt for Thole who did not disappoint.
After the match, the tactician heaped praise on Thole for his impressive reflexes.
He said: “It’s true, he had a footwork problem. That’s why today I told him straight goalkeeping basics. When you are under pressure, pass to the full backs or kick the ball away. It’s exactly what he was doing, taking straightaway.
“But in terms of handling the ball, taking crosses and organisation at the back, he was fantastic.”
Mabedi said his honesty on the player’s shortfalls helped him to improve.
“We need to be honest with our players because also you need to understand the keeper becomes a sweeper, so you need to be able to play.
“But I think as time goes, you could see his experience and he never trained with the team, only yesterday for pre-match game, but you can see he was outstanding.”
During the match, Senegal had 27 shots at goal and seven on target which Thole stopped.
However, he succumbed to a last-gap superb free-kick from Senegal forward Sadio Mane.
Mabedi said the goalkeeper was just unfortunate to concede.
“To me, it’s just a pity we conceded that goal that way, but you can’t blame anybody because the taker was very good,” he said.
On his part, Thole said he could have been happier if he had kept a clean sheet.
“But anyway, it happens,” he said.
Malawi is out of the 2025 Afcon race since even if they win their remaining two matches, they cannot overtake joint leaders Burkina Faso and Senegal who have 10 points apiece.
