Malawi Flames took advantage of an under-manned Uganda cranes team with many inexperienced players cobbled together quickly for the friendly.
Striker Chiukepo Msowoya’s goal at the death put an end to the dogged fight the flames faced from the inexperienced Ugandan side at the Kamuzu Banda Stadium in Blantyre on Malawi’s Independence Day.
The veteran striker, recalled after a long spell out on the sidelines because of injury has repaid the interim coach, Ernest Mtawali’s faith.
On form Kezironi Kizito had the best chance for Uganda with a 17th minute curling free kick saved by the woodwork.
The match looked destined for a draw result coming into the 90th minute but Msowoya’s powerful header separated the two sides to give hundreds of Malawians joy to cheer for on their Independence Day anniversaries.
Uganda head coach, Milutin Sredojevic had a purely experimental side composed of three national team debutants in goal keeper, Mathias Kigonya, midfielder Tadeo Lwanga and defender, Deus Bukenya making their first starts ever in a national team setting.
Richard Kasagga was the captain the team for the first time since the usual skipper, Farouk Miya had started on the bench.
Mathias Kigonya started in goal ahead of James Alitho with Lweza skipper Ibrahim Kiyemba playing the right back role. Surprisingly, Deus Bukenya started at left back, at the expense of the usual suspect, Brian Ochwo.
Richard Kasagga and Shafik Bakaki were maintained in the central defensive department. SC Villa new catch, Tadeo Lwanga started the game as the anchorman with Yunus Sentamu and Martin Kizza on the right and left attack flanks respectively.
Micho opted for a two man attack of Fahad Muhammed Hassan and Umar Kasumba upfront. The team returns Tuesday evening.
Uganda XI: Kigonya Mathias (G.K), Kiyemba Ibrahim, Bukenya Deus, Bakaki Shafik, Kasagga Richard(Captain), Lwanga Taddeo, Yunus Sentamu, Kizito Keziron, Fahad Muhammad Hassan, Kasumba Umar and Kiiza Martin.
Subs: Alitho James, Brian Ochwo, Farouk Miya, Erisa Sekisambu, Abel Eturude, Tekkwo Derrick and Ssemazi John.
The Flames Squad:
Goal Keepers: Richard Chimpuwa, Brighton Munthali, Simplex Nthala & McDonald Harawa
Defenders: Yamikani Fodya, Francis Mulimbika, Lucky Malata, Sankhani Mkandawire, Boston Kabango, Stanley Sanudi, John Lanjesi, Peter Cholobi
Midfielders: Yamikani Chester, Dalitso Sayilesi, Ernest Tambe, Philip Masiye, Isaac Kaliati, Davie Banda, John Banda, Fisher Kondowe
Strikers: Chiukepo Msowoya, Deus Mkhutu, Tizyowere Kumwenda, Green Harawa and Zicco Nkanda.
