Malawi national soccer team added flavour to the 51st Independence Anniversary Celebrations on Monday when they beat Uganda Cranes 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Rejuveneted forward Chiukepo Msowoya struck the lone imprtant goal with just six minutes to full time to send the packed stadium, including Vice-President Saulos Chilima and Zambia’s Edgar Lungu into esctacy.
Msowoya who was making a return to the Flames after about two years in the wilderness, repaid the faith shown in him by caretaker coach Ernest Mtawali when he rose upfield to powerfully head home Yamikani Fodya’s well taken corner kick.
The Cranes who arrived in the country about an hour before the match, were not a dissapointment, they held on to the ball and found fruitful avenues through the wings although there was no meaningful end product in terms of creating chances.
Mtawali, handed debuts to defender Stanely Sanudi and striker Deus Nkutu and at a later stage, Isaac Kaliyati (as a substitute).
Apart from Msowoya, forgotten midfielder Dave Banda who was a key member of the Flames class of 2010 which qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations, also made a comeback.
“It was great to win the game considering the event. Being my first game in charge of the national team, I was also excited.
“The performance might not have been vintage, but there is room for improvement,” said Mtawali.
The match was played for 80 minutes due to Uganda’s late ar4rival because of flight complications.