The Flames anchor Group D of the 2022 Africa World Cup qualifiers following their 2-0 loss to Cameroon in Yaounde last night.
Two first half strikes from Vincent Aboubakar and Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui sunk the Flames though the gulf in class between the two sides was not that vast.
The Indomitable Lions were two up in under 25 minutes with the Saudi Arabia-based Aboubakar drawing first blood nine minutes into the match.
Ngadjui then doubled the lead in the 22nd minute to seal the victory for the hosts.
From then on, the Flames put up a spirited display, but Cameroon held their nerve.
In the group’s other match, Mozambique’s Mambas held giants Ivory Coast’s Elephants to a goalless draw to condemn the Flames to the bottom of the group as they have a point each.
However, Flames coach Meck Mwase hailed his charges for their fighting spirit.
“We conceded an early goal which affected our rhythm, but overall the boys put up a gallant fight.
“All the same we’ll fight to do well in our next match on Wednesday,” he said.
Malawi’s next match is this Wednesday when they host Mozambique at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
This was the eighth meeting between the two sides and Cameroon have won four times while the Flames have triumphed just once and the rest ending in draws.
Flames starting line-up: Ernest Kakhobwe, Limbikani Mzava (C), Charles Petro, Dennis Chembezi, Stanley Sanudi, Tawonga Chimodzi, Yamikani Chester, Chimwemwe Idana, Peter Banda, John Banda, Gerald Phiri Jnr and Richard Mbulu.
