Babatunde Adepoju scored his first international goal as Malawi’s Flames produced an improved performance to earn a 1-1 draw against Ethiopia in their second international friendly match at Dire Dawa International Stadium.
The Flames started brightly and almost took an early lead when Mwisho Mhango fired a powerful effort just over the bar in the opening moments.
Malawi’s positive start was rewarded in the 18th minute when Babatunde finished off a good attacking move to put the Flames ahead.
Ethiopia later grew into the game and equalised in the 41st minute through Binyam Belay, who slotted home after a well-worked move to send the two teams into the break level.
The second half was evenly contested, with both sides pushing for a winner. Malawi introduced fresh legs, including Festus Duwe, Yankho Singo and Ephraim Kondowe, as they looked to regain control in the attacking third.
The Flames came close again in the 76th minute when Babatunde made a strong run down the right before cutting the ball back to Chifundo Mphasi, whose first-time effort went narrowly wide.
Despite late pressure and four minutes of added time, neither side could find the winning goal.
Flames head coach Kalisto Pasuwa said Malawi should have won the match but were let down by lapses in concentration.
“It was a game we were supposed to win, but unfortunately there was complacency from our players. At this level of football, you cannot be comfortable with a one-goal lead,” said Pasuwa.
He added that the team needs to improve its response when under pressure.
“I have also noticed that when we are pressed high, we are failing to come out of that pressure. We need to do more work for us to be solid enough,” he said.
Pasuwa praised Babatunde for opening his international goal account.
“I am happy for him. Scoring has been a big problem for us, but having him score like that can motivate others and help us get more goals,” he said.
The coach also commended some of the players who were given an opportunity in the two friendly matches.
“When we are building a team, players need competition. If one has no competitor, he relaxes. That is why we brought in new players to fight for the jersey. Chifundo Mphasi, Gaddie Chirwa and Festus Duwe did very well,” he said.
Line UP:
16 Thole William, 2 Lameck McDonald, 3 Petro Charles (C), 5 Chembezi Dennis, 7 Mhango Mwisho (Festus Duwe 67′), 8 Njaliwa Lloyd, 11 Mphasi Chifundo (Ephraim Kondowe 86′), 14 Singini Blessings (Yankho Singo 86′), 18 Adepoju Babatunde, 19 Chirwa Gaddie, 20 Nyirenda Emmanuel.
Unused Subs:
1 Chikooka George, 23 Waka Joshua, 4 Jaziya Washali, 6 Aaron Lloyd, 9 Kumwembe Christopher, 10 Madinga Francisco, 12 Rundles Luciano
