Flames on third position, trail Mali on goal difference

After the second round of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations group qualifiers, the Flames have moved a step up from the bottom to third position.

This follows Algeria’s narrow 1-0 win over fellow group B favourites Mali’s Eagles on Wednesday.

In their opening Group B qualifier away in Bamako, the Flames went down 2-0 but on Wednesday afternoon recovered to beat Ethiopia 3-2 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

The Flames are tied on three points with Mali, but it is the Eagles who occupy the second position courtesy of a better goal difference of plus one.

This far, Malawi have been betrayed by their defending, having conceded four goals—two each against Mali and Ethiopia—but have scored three goals, all of them against the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia who anchor the group with no point.

Algeria’s Desert Foxes, stand proudly at the summit of the group with so far against Ethiopia (1-2) and Mali (1-0).

The Eagles played the last 22 minutes with 10 men after Mahamadou Ndiaye was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

With just nine minutes left to play, a free-kick from Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez found Carl Medjani whose header earned his side all three points.

Former Flames captain Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda said while it is too early to predict Flames’ destiny in this campaign, he is of the view that they should extend their target to getting points away.

“The coach said the target is to win all home games which is fine and good, but then to be on the safe side, they also need to set their sights on collecting points away.

“Of course, it is a tall order, but not impossible. It is all about self-belief and determination because they cannot only bank on home games. What if Algeria and Mali come here and force a draw? It is a game of calculations, so we need to aim high,” said Mponda.

The ex-national team captain, who guided the Flames to 2010 Africa Cup of Nations qualification after 26 years in the wilderness, said although it is difficult, the Flames should aim at winning one of their remaining away games against Ethiopia and Algeria.

“Three points would be a bonus, but a point wouldn’t be bad as long as we meet the targets of winning all home games,” said Mponda.

He also said apart from lapse in concentration, especially when they are leading, the Flames appear on course.

Another legend Yasin ‘Titch’ Osman said: “To me I think the mission to qualify is possible, it is only self-belief that is lacking. The coaching panel needs to work on the players psychology to believe in themselves and, of course, endurance and that means maintaining concentration for the entire 90 minutes and not relax when things are going their way.”

The top two teams from each group and the overall best number three will qualify for the 30th edition of the Nations Cup alongside hosts Morocco.