Malawi 0 Mozambique 1
The Flames on Saturday put up a disappointing performance in front of the first family against Mozambique’s Mambas that spoilt the country’s 49th independence celebrations after going down 0-1 at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Everything was going well starting from traditional dances to the Queens 45-36 victory over Zambia.
President Joyce Banda and thousands of fans who came to witness the occasion were all smiles until the Flames’ lackluster match against Mozambique.
Mozambican Josimar Machaisse halted the celebrations with the only goal of the game 37 minutes into the match.
He received a pass from Mamo Sinamunda inside the eight-yard box and the unmarked Machaisse easily picked his spot on the far post after Owen Chaima had left the goal area.
Despite the win, Mozambique were not impressive either.
Starting with Joel Chipofya and Roderick Gonani in attack, the hosts failed to offer any threat to the Mozambican defence.
Chipofya and Gonani were removed in the second half for Boniface Kaulesi and Calista Kalinda but nothing changed as a disfunctional Flames continued to be impotent in fron of goal.
Coach Edington Ng’onamo admitted his side was sloppy in all departments.
“We were trying new players and we did not perform well, but now we know where to improve,” he said.
The Flames used the match to prepare for the Cosafa tournament currently taking place in Zambia
Mozambique coach Jao Chisano expressed happiness at the win, but admitted that his boys did not play well.
Expatirate coach Tom Saintfiet watched the games from the terraces and was seen taking throughout the match.
“I am disappointed. It was a bad performance. We should not have lost at home. More especially considering it was our independence day,” said Minister of Youth and Sports Enoch Chihana
