BLEOMFONTEIN-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, were once again held by Lesotho after a hard-fought 0-0 draw in an international friendly match played on Saturday at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
The result means Malawi’s winless run against Lesotho has now stretched to eight matches in all competitions, with the Flames last tasting victory over Likuena in 2009.
Earlier this year, Lesotho again edged Malawi 1-0 in the COSAFA Cup, deepening the frustration surrounding this fixture.
Malawi started the game with intensity, creating two early chances within two minutes, Chifundo Mphasi saw his effort blocked by a defender before Lloyd Njaliwa tested the goalkeeper, but the Lesotho shot-stopper reacted well.
Light showers made the pitch slippery, yet both sides continued to play at a high tempo as they searched for the opening goal.
At the quarter hour, Alick Lungu went down following a collision with Rapuleng, prompting a brief stoppage. After receiving treatment, he returned to the pitch and the Flames regained momentum, pushing forward with purpose but still failing to convert their half chances.
The first half ended with the match goalless despite the end-to-end exchanges.
Malawi made early changes at the start of the second half, with Malango Mayele and Nickson Nyasulu coming in for Lungu and Patrick Mwaungulu.
The Flames resumed play with the same attacking intent, maintaining pressure and controlling large portions of the game.
Mayele came close in the 64th minute with a strike from outside the box but it was blocked by Lesotho’s well-organised defence.
In the final stages,more substitutions were made as Gabadinho Mhango made way for Chikumbutso Salima in the 78th minute and Robert Saizi replaced Chifundo Mphasi in nine minutes later.
Despite the changes, Malawi still lacked the final touch in the box, allowing Lesotho to hold firm and absorb pressure.
Three minutes of added time offered both teams a chance to steal the win but neither side managed to break the deadlock.
Flames coach Kalisto Pasuwa admitted after the match that the team wasted good opportunities, saying it was a tactical but challenging game.
The two sides will meet again on Tuesday at the same venue, giving Malawi another opportunity to try and end their long-standing winless streak against Lesotho.
