…..E. Guinea 1-0 Malawi

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi national football team, the Flames have suffered a setback in their quest to qualify for the first-ever World Cup of Nations after a 1-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea today in Malabo.

The Patrick Mabedi-coached side was outclassed in all departments by the 79th-ranked Equatorial Guinea, leaving them chasing shadows.

In the first quarter of the game, Silver Striker’s goalkeeper George Chikooka made four critical saves from Nzalang Nacionale’s Edu Salvador.

The match was deadlocked at halftime, but Equatorial Guinea kept pressing Malawi in the second half, forcing them to defend in their own half.

The host team exchanged good passes with beautiful touches.

Coach Patrick Mabedi made several changes in search of goals but the team failed to test the Guinea goalkeeper.

Mighty Mukuru Wanderers’ Wisdom Mpinganjira and Kabwe Warriors star Chifundo Mphasi replaced Patrick Mwaungulu and Henri Kumwenda.

The home team created other chances through Mba Obiang and Pablo Ganet but Chikooka dealt with their efforts.

Nzalang Nacionale snatched a late winner through Edu Salvador who connected well with a set piece from Bassey punishing the Flames for their inability to sustain possession.

Malawi failed to combine and build any attack, sitting deep in their half until the final whistle.

“It’s painful to concede in the final minutes of the game,” Mabedi explained.

“We worked hard, but our plan to use counterattacks failed. We’re still learning as a team and must redeem ourselves.”

The loss leaves the Flames in fourth position with six points while Equatorial Guinea’s victory propelled them to fifth, leapfrogging Sao Tome and Principle who are yet to win a game in Group H. Equatorial Guinea’s first six points were forfeited due to fielding an ineligible player in the campaign.