Saintfiet starts with a loss

(Zimbabwe win 3-1 on penalties)

Flames expatriate coach Tom Saintfiet was left with plenty of food for thought yesterday when he lost his first match in charge of the Flames in the revived Cosafa Cup.

Even after a late own equaliser that was guided into the net by forgotten wonderboy Chiukepo Msowoya, the Flames were left searching their souls after converting just one penalty [again through Chiukepo] as the Warriors of Zimbabwe converted three of their four penalties.

The Flames, who featured an almost full-strength squad, raised doubts on whether they will stand the heat against African champions Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a decisive 2014 World Cup qualifier even after engaging Saintfiet.

Flames seasoned defender James Sangala got marching orders in the dying minutes of the first half after committing a second bookable offence.

However, spotting a dark blue suit with a white shirt, the Belgian tactician put on a brave face insisting that his new charges still have a chance.

“Now we have to switch focus to the Nigeria game, but there is more work to be done,” said Saintfiet.

Zimbabwe, who are the defending champions, surged ahead in the 14th minute through Simba Mambare.

And,  as time ticked, Malawians oozed anxiety but breathed a sigh of relief when Nyapamudenga’s deflection paid dividends and gave the Flames a life-line.

But when time came for the dreaded penalty shoot-out, the Flames failed miserably.

So did their campaign to join the region’s pantheon of greats to have won the regional showpiece.

Zimbabwe march to the semis where they will face winners between Angola and Lesotho while the Flames will be reduced to playing in the funny phase called the Plate-sad.