Kanyenda thrilled to score on return

Battle-hardened forward Esau Kanyenda has said he was overjoyed to score on his return for the Flames in the 2-0 hugely significant victory over Mali’s Eagles on Saturday.

The ‘Black Mamba’, who was making a return after being sidelined for over a year, stood up to be counted when he beautifully headed home the second goal in the 84th minute after Ng’ambi drew first blood in the 64th minute.

It was a confirmation to the saying that ‘experience is a good teacher’.

“It felt really good to score on my return. As I said, the centre of focus would be on our [with Fischer Kondowe] contribution considering our experience and I am happy that we made a difference.

“All the same, everyone put up a spirited display and, therefore, the entire team deserves a pat on the back,” said Kanyenda.

However, the South Africa-based forward said Saturday’s win will count for nothing should the Flames fail to reach the Promised Land on Wednesday.

“What we did on Saturday was just to smoothen the path in our quest to qualify for the finals and it will be very sad should we fail to get a result in Ethiopia on Wednesday.

“We need to give out something extra and avoid complacency because Wednesday’s match will be even tougher,” he said.

Kanyenda dedicated the goal he scored to Malawians for their faith in him.

“The fans led the clamour for my recall and I would like to dedicate the goal to them while at the same time saluting the coaches for recalling me.

“I needed to prove that I am not over the hill,” he said.