Flames through to Afcon 2nd round

Revitalised midfielder Joseph ‘Shakira’ Kamwendo turned from villain to hero when he sealed Flames qualification into the final round of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a strike of wondrous quality after missing a penalty earlier on as they beat Chad 2-0 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Saturday.

Kamwendo had a chance to put the Flames in the lead 28 minutes into the match when the referee awarded a penalty after a Chad defender had handled in the box, but his spot-kick went wide, to the disappointment of the home fans.

But to his credit, the rejuvenated midfielder never lost his confidence and made amends in the 72nd minute with a delightfully crafted goal.

He curled a left-foot shot with a laser-like precision from almost 25 yards past stranded Chad goaltender Mounine Kassour.

It was a flash of supreme class by Kamwendo and the visitors were stunned by that moment of incandescent brilliance by the revitalised midfield star who once again delivered a masterclass of midfield supremacy aided by the combative promptings of Davie Banda, Robin Ngalande and Chimango Kaira.

Goalkeeper Simplex Nthala was also in top form and kept out several dangerous attempts by the visitors, in particular Karl Max powerful drive.

The Flames had taken the lead in 31st minute when John ‘CJ’ Banda’s shot was deflected into the net by a Chad defender to send the stadium into delirium.

With his voice straining with emotion, the visibly delighted Kamwendo—who is being sought by a number of foreign clubs—could not hide his excitement after the match.

“I have scored quite a number of classic goals, but today’s strike will go down as one of my best ever because of its significance and the execution,” said Kamwendo.

Kamwendo, who is also the team’s stand-in vice captain, dedicated the win to Malawins and coach Kinnah Phiri in particular.

“The win was also good for the coach who was under intense pressure. Now we have to celebrate our qualification into the final round of qualifiers,” said Kamwendo.

Assistant coach Young Chimodzi also saluted the outpouring show of nationalism, by thousands of local fans who backed their cause.

“Special credit should go to the boys for giving out their best this afternoon. They really fought hard for the win,” said Chimodzi.

It was a hugely significant win for the Flames who hoisted Kinnah.

After the brief celebration, Kinnah rushed to the dressing room and did not grant interviews to the media.

However, the win was marred by ugly scenes as some overzealous fans stoned Chad’s team bus as it left the stadium and two of their players were reportedly injured.

The Chadians had to leave the stadium under tight police escort.