A sizeable crowd that thronged the magnificent Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe today left the facility in jubilation mood as the Malawi National Football Team-the Flames-put their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track with a 3-1 win over Sao Tome and the Principe.
Goals from Chawanagwa Kaonga and Lanjesi Nkhoma in the opening stages of the first half got the home side cruising before some nervy moments when Sao Tome pulled one goal back early in the second half.
However Malawi recovered quickly to score the third goal through Chifundo Mphasi that settled the match to the jubilation of the home fans.
The Flames utilized home ground advantage in the match settling down early by dictating the game with dominance of possession and tempo.
Forward forays through the wings that were manned by Lanjesi Nkhoma and Robert Saizi caused lots of problems to the visitors who were visibly failing to contain pressure that was emanating from the midfield duo of Chimwemwe Idana and Lloyd Aaron.
No wonder a combination of passes from a move that started on the left flank resulted into a first goal guided by the Zambia-based Kaonga who had a simple task of guiding the ball into the net in the 6th minute following a one-two passes string inside the attacking third.
The goal gave the Flames some edge and tenacity as it bolstered the hosts confidence who started to display beautiful football that culminated into a second goal from Lanjesi Nkhoma in the 13th minute.
Coach Mabedi pulled Saizi out after the attacker stretched with an injury and replaced him with Patrick Mwaungulu, later in the half.
The second half started more less like the first with the Flames showing promise but not demonstrating too much aggression in the attacking third.
Sao Tome pulled one goal back in the 67th minute through Da Silva.
But Mphasi restored Malawi two goal advantage in the 78th minute.
The win takes the Flames to six points from three matches as Malawi moved to third position in the group ahead of their trip to Equatorial Guinea where they play that country’s national side on Monday.
Malawi Line Up: George Chikooka,Stanley Sanudi,Tatenda M’balaka,Dennis Chembezi,Nickson Mwase,Lloyd Aaron,Robert Saizi ( Mwaungulu 35′) Lanjesi Nkhoma ( Mpinganjira 62′), Chimwemwe Idana( Kumwenda 86′), Chifundo Mphasi(Nkhoma 86′), Chawanangwa Kaonga( Kamanga 86′).
Subs : Brighton Munthali,Innocent Nyasulu,McDonald Lameck,Precious Sambani,Chikondi Kamanga
Patrick Mwaungulu,Wisdom Mpingajira,Zelliat Nkhoma,Henri Kumwenda,Maxwell Paipi,Lawrence Chaziya
