Mtawali says Jnr Flames could have done better

Malawi Under-20 national soccer team coach Ernest Mtawali has said his charges could have done better against South Africa whom they beat 1-0 in a practice match at Nike Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday.

He played down suggestions that the win over the Cosafa Under-20 champions is confirmation that the Junior Flames are ready for Friday’s Africa Youth Championship first round, second-leg showdown against the Young Zebras of Botswana.

“This match was about getting to see how we could cope playing away and trying the approach that we want to use against Botswana.

“So, I felt yes, we did well in some aspects, but then there are other areas that we still need to polish up. Nevertheless, I was impressed with the overall performance,” said Mtawali from Johannesburg yesterday.

Chawanangwa Kaonga, who partnered Khumbo Ng’ambi upfront, scored the lone goal in the 11th minute with a powerful shot outside the 18-yard box.

“They combined well and the goal was classic. I liked his composure and execution, he did it to perfection,” said Mtawali.

The Junior Flames are set to fly from Johannesberg to Botswana this morning ahead of Friday’s game.

Malawi were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Blantyre which Ng’ambi put the hosts ahead before the Young Zebras equalised.

The winner of Friday’s encounter will face DR Congo in the second round in May.