Flamed

Malawi National Football Team produced a comical display as they lost 2-0 to Egypt in the 2023 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Air Defence Stadium in Egypt on Friday night. However, Guinea were hosting Ethiopia as we went to press. Liverpool star Mohammad Salah opened the scoring in the 20th minute, beating goalkeeper Charles Thom with his left…

Malawi National Football Team produced a comical display as they lost 2-0 to Egypt in the 2023 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at Air Defence Stadium in Egypt on Friday night.

The loss has reduced The Flames’ chances of qualifying for next year’s finals to be staged in Ivory Coast.

After three matches, the Flames are bottom of Group D with three points whereas the Pharaohs lead with six points.

However, Guinea were hosting Ethiopia as we went to press.

In a match monitored on SuperSport, the Flames sat too deep and invited pressure from the hosts in the opening minutes.

It was one-way traffic in the first half as the hosts dominated in all the departments.

Liverpool star Mohammad Salah opened the scoring in the 20th minute, beating goalkeeper Charles Thom with his left foot shot.

Wolfsburg forward Omar Marmoush had his effort deflected into the net by Charles Petro before the break.

The Flames chased their own shadows for the better part of the first half.

That was not all, the Flames had no shot on target during the match.

On the other hand, Egypt got two shots on target in the first stanza and converted their chances.

After the break, Stain Davie and Peter Banda replaced Khuda Muyaba and Francisco Madinga respectively.

However, Banda was replaced by Yamikani Chester after the 60th minute due to an injury.

It was an improved performance for The Flames in the second half as they contained the Pharaohs.

Davie had a decent chance but he squandered it.

Chimwemwe Idana replaced Micium Mhone towards the end of the match.

Goalkeeper Charles Thom started between the sticks as Brighton Munthali was on the bench. Without Stanley Sanudi, Petro started at the back alongside Lawrence Chaziya, Dennis Chaziya and Gomezgani Chirwa.

Flames coach Mario Marinica was not immediately available for his comment as we went to press.

The Flames will host Egypt in the return fixture at Bingu National Stadium on Tuesday.

This is the match that will decide The Flames’ fate in the Afcon qualifiers.

Flames line up: Thom, Chembezi, Petro, LChaziya, Gomezgani Chirwa, Chikoti Chirwa, John Banda, Madinga, Mhone, Muyaba, Mhango