Malawi’s national football team, the flames, extended their streak of disappointment at the Cosafa Cup yesterday, loosing 1-0 to defending champions Angola in a match marred by missed opportunities at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein in South Africa.
This was a crucial must-win match for the Flames, coming on the heels of their defeat to Lesotho in their opening game and a goalless draw against Namibia in their second encounter.
The Palancas Negras lone goal was enough to send a wave of disappointment through hundreds of supporters who packed the stadium and thousands more who streamed the match from home, eagerly watching Kalisto Pasuwa’s team turn the tide in a dramatic comeback.
Despite dominating possession and mounting relentless attacks through Gaddie Chirwaand Blessings Singini, the formally branded Barcelona failed to find the net , with goalkeepr Adilson da Cruz Cipriano making crucial saves to keep Angola’s lead intact.
Malawi started with high intensity in the match’s early minutes and their hunger for goal grew as the clock was ticking.
The first 20 minutes saw only one scary shot from both sides when the Flames’ Gaddie Chirwa, unleashed a shot from outside the box, but the goalkeeper was equal to the task.
The flames opened fire again in the 40th minute through Singing who sent a volley from the edge of the 18 yard box but Angola’s Cipriano pulled of a superb save to keep denie flames a lead.
The goal came shortly after halftime, when a deflected shot from substitute Ambrosin Salvador resulted into a corner kick.
A corner kick delivery found Randy Nteka, who bundled the ball home in the 48th minute, giving Angola the lead.
Malawi’s misfortunes continued when Blessings Singini was forced off due to injury after a collision, ans was replaced by Oscar Petro.
This forced flames technical panel to effect instant changes as the flames rallying for a level.
Oscar Petro was slotted in for Blessings Singini, who was stretched off while Gaddie Chirwa was taken out for Olson Kanjira and Zelliat Nkhoma was introduced in replacement of Chawanangwa Gumbo.
Additionally, Pasuwa also roped on Wongani Lunga in place of Promise Kamwendo.
The move saw an attempted rally, with narrowly missed shots, sealing their fate.
In a post match interview flames assistant Coach ,Peter Mponda said the loss was devastating.
“It is more painful, having lost through one set piece , which we failed to defend,” said Mponda.
Angola’s Men’s Senior National Football Team coach, Pedro Goncalves, said the dream of the Palancas Negras players is to return the title.
The Portuguese mentor said; “At the end of the day, we conquered our goal. Really, it was a tough experience. The pitch created a lot of situations in the match. The Malawi team impressed because they were prepared for that kind of football. [However], we needed that kind of experience because in Africa, that is the kind of football you need to practice for.”
Angola has finished at the summit of group B after taking their tally to seven points while condemning the Flames to the exit door. The flames have not even scored a single goal in three games of the tournament.
Namibia also beat Lesotho, but both teams also exited the tournament on Tuesday.
Angola have joined South Africa in the semifinals, with Bafana Bafana having already secured their knockout spot.
