The Malawi Under 23 National Football team on Monday lost 3-0 to Togo in their second and last match in Turkey.
Head of Technical Mario Marinica made three changes to the team that beat Kuwait 2-0 in the first match on Thursday
In goals, Emmace Nyirenda replaced Chance Mtete while in defense Kestern Simbi started in place of Fanizo Mwansambo. In midfield Loyd Aaron got the nod ahead of Yamikani Chaima.
Togo opened the scoring in the opening minute thanks to a goal from defensive midfielder Karim Dermane who plays for Dutch club Feyenoord.
Thibault Klidje doubled the score from a spot kick which was awarded to Togo following a foul in the box in the 12th minute.
Togo were 3-0 up six minutes after half-time after Kevin Denkey converted a cross from the left corner.
Marinica made eight changes during the game as he tried to give game time to as many players as possible.
He said after the game that despite the loss they have achieved their goal of exposing the young players to top level football.
“It has helped us to give the boys the platform to understand what it means and takes to play at this level. If you look at Togo, they are a formidable team, very tall and physically well built and most of the players play in Europe.
“We had young players and local and they worked hard and put into practice everything we learnt. I am pleased with the way we have played though we should have done better. We started badly and made two mistakes and conceded within 30 seconds and that was not an easy start.
“Then we lost concentration because of lack of experienced and conceded again. I am positive about the whole trip as three players have been invited for trials with European clubs.
“It is important for our players to be playing at this level frequently so that they get used to playing against big players at this level . It is important if we continue with this exercise for us to continue getting better and better,” said Marinica.
The Junior Flames are expected back home on Wednesday.
Malawi first 11
23. Emmace NYIRENDA (1. Chancy Mtete 46’) ;3. Charles PETRO (C),7. Hadji WALI (10. Patrick Mwaungulu 68’),15. Kestern SIMBI(22. Fanizo Mwansambo 30),8. Blessings MPOKERA,4. Innocent SHEMA,5. Tatenda MBALAKA (20. Alick LUNGU 46’), 14. Loyd Aaron,21 (20. Robert SAIZI 46’), Chawanangwa GUMBO (12. Festus DUWE 62’),9. Mphatso KAMANGA (24. Masambiro Kalua 80’), 17. Christopher GOTOTO ( 2.Chifundo Mphasi 30’)
