LILONGWE (MaraviPost)—The Malawi National soccer team fondly known as the flames have kept their hopes to qualify for the 2015 African Cup of Nationals final showdown, which will be played in Equatorial Guinea, alive after beating Mali with a convincing 2-0 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Saturday.
Despite not scoring in the first half, the flames were a marvel to watch throughout the entire game.
In the second half, Mali was on the offensive for the first 10 minutes, perhaps giving an impression that they deliberately planned to launch an ambush on Malawi in the second half. They controlled the affairs of the game but their efforts were diffused when Malawi’s Robert Ng’ambi scored in a goal mouth scrambling situation.
Mali upped their game perhaps after realizing that the game was not going according to script.
Malawi Veteran Striker Esau Kanyenda, who was called owing to his vast experience, lived to his billing throughout the game, creating chances for fellow players in the box.
Kanyenda’s time to show that experience is needed in the game of football was shown when he headed into the net a well executed cross from another Veteran Player Fisher Kondowe about 10 minutes before the end of the last whistle sending the entire Kamuzu Stadium into wild celebrations as it was the much needed cautioning goal the red army at the terraces were waiting for to be assured that they have carried the day.
In an interview, flames Captain Joseph Kamwendo was excited and dedicated the victory to all interested stakeholders who contributed to their impressive performance.
Commenting on the veteran Players, Kamwendo said “Esau and Fisher have really proved that they are experienced players and we are happy to have them in the team.
On his part, Kanyenda was quick thank the coaching panel for giving him the chance to play for the National Team despite critics who said that he is a spent force.
“I thank the Coaching panel for the call up to national duty and I think I have showed that experience matters in a game of football. I am happy that we have won,” said Kanyenda.
With the victory, Malawi has now moved to 6 points. What it means is that the battle for second place is between Malawi and Mali. They both have 6 points and are remaining with a game in hand which will be played next week Wednesday.
Malawi will take on Ethiopia in Addis Abba while Mali will take on Algeria.
If Malawi will beat Ethiopia and Mali losses to Algeria, it means Malawi will qualify for Equatorial Guinea. If Malawi will force a draw and Mali losses to Algeria, still Malawi will qualify. In short, Malawi’s qualification to Equatorial Guinea is also dependent on Algeria to help them in some sort.
