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Flames thwart swazi’s dream

 

Though Malawi’s Flames are out of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, their misfortune did not stop them from dishing out an inspiring performance to thwart Swaziland’s dream from qualifying for the Gabon final as best runners-up from Group  L on Sunday.

A seventh minute 35-metre set-piece from midfielder Gerald ‘Papa’ Phiri Jnr did the damage in a match Malawi could have scored more than one goal.

The visitors, knowing they needed to win at all cost to boost their chances of making it to Gabon, started like a house on fire pressing for an early goal.

They almost got one three minutes into the game when a communication breakdown between defenders Steve Chagoma and Miracle Gabeya gave striker Felix Badenhorst a chance to shoot first time, but goalkeeper Charles Swini left his line to make a timely save.

Swaziland’s ‘keeper Gwebu fails to stop Phiri Jnr’s set-piece for the only goal
Swaziland’s ‘keeper Gwebu fails to stop Phiri Jnr’s set-piece for the only goal

After some shouting from coach Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan, Malawi reorganised themselves and took control of the game.

Striker Gastin Simkonda, returning to national duty after a lengthy break due to official duties at Malawi Defence Force (MDF), was a victim of Swaziland defence fouls.

He was mulled down close to the edge of the touch line a few metres from the centre-circle and set-piece specialist—Bidvest Wits’ Phiri stepped up to take the free-kick.

He curved in a beauty that went over the wall and dipped towards the near post. Swaziland goalkeeper Gwebu, caught an unawares tried to punch the ball out only to guide it into his own net.

Phiri could have had a brace had it not been for the cross-bar which kept out yet another set-piece after another foul on Simkonda.

Striker Gabadinho Mhango almost doubled the lead, but his shot just outside the box hit the cross bar as well.

He was again denied by the Swaziland goalkeeper who left his line to make a fine save just before half time.

In the second half the Flames took the foot off the paddle and allowed the visitors to make advances upfront.

With the Flames running out of steam, Ramadhan pulled out right back Stevie Chagoma and introduced Stanley Sanudi.

He also substituted Phiri Jnr and Simkonda who were replaced by Rafiq Namwela and Peter Wadabwa.

The substitutions paid dividends and brought some fire-power and Malawi almost  got a second goal from Wadabwa and Robert Ng’ambi who saw their shots saved by Swaziland goalie.

After the match, Swaziland coach Harrius Mulunga wore a brave face despite his plans of taking Sihlangu to Gabon having been shattered.

“It’s unfortunate. We were so close but that’s the nature of the game. You win some you lose some,” he said.

For Ramadhan it was a mission accomplished.

“I promised to win the game to make Malawians happy. That’s all,” he said.

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