Flames skipper Limbikani Mzava and midfielder Robert Ng’ambi made headlines in South Africa on Saturday when they scored for their clubs in the Nedbank Cup.
Mzava’s late free-kick ensured Mpumalanga Black Aces secured Nedbank Cup quarter-final berth with a 2-0 triumph over Maritzburg United at Kanyamazane Stadium.
Zambian international Collins Mbesuma put Aces ahead in the 20th minute after converting a penalty but Mzava sealed the victory in the 92nd minute with a hard-and-low free-kick that eluded both the Maritzburg’s wall and goalkeeper Tawfeeq Salie.
“In added time on, United goalkeeper Salie was beaten at the near post by Mzava after a brilliant low set piece by the Malawian skipper, ensuring the AmaZayoni are through to the next round,” wrote Kickoffmagazine’s website.
In another Nedbank Cup quarter-final tie, Ng’ambi scored against Esau Kanyenda’s Polokwane City but his goal was not enough as Platinum Stars were booted out after a 2-1 loss.
Ng’ambi opened the scoring in the 11th minute having capitalised on a poor clearance from a free-kick.
But Polokwane equalised through Edgar Manaka before Carlington Nyadombo scored the winner in extra time.
“It felt good to score for the first time this season and end a bad run. Hopefully, this is the beginning of good things to come.
“However, I am still distraught with the 2017 Afcon loss to Guinea,” said Mzava in an interview from the rainbow nation yesterday.
The Flames lost 1-2 to the visitors on Tuesday to dampen their hopes for a slot in the Afcon finals in Gabon next year.
The central defender had to apologise to Malawians for the team’s poor display on behalf of the national team.