By Erik Chiputula:
It was a point apiece at the Bingu National Stadium as Malawi and Mozambique battled in a closely contested affair in the 2023 Confederation of African Football (CHAN) qualifiers.
A Nelson Divrasone close range finish gave Mamba’s the lead just after 8 after some poor goalkeeping by the retuning Charles Thom in the flames goal but that lead coould shrotlived as just after 21st minutes the flames were back on level terms thanks to a Yamikani Chester individual wonder strike.
The result has put Flames in an awkward position heading into the return leg in Mozambique as a goalless draw or defeat will send Malawi parking.
Here are four things we learned from the encounter.
1. YAMIKANI CHESTER PROVES CRITICS WRONG
The right-forward Yamikani Chester was a marvel to watch on Saturday whenever the flames were on the offensive.
He scored his first ever national team goal and again he created a number of chances.
His link-up play with Chimwemwe Idana who was the focal point for Flames’ attack was lively but unfortunately did not yield much reward.
Based on his performance on Saturday, he is surely deserving of a continued run in the Flames’ first team.
On Saturday Malwians saw a different Yamikani Chester not the one they saw at the Africa Cup Of Nations tournament in Cameron earlier this year.
If he is to maintain Saturday’s form then he will surely the first name Marinica will be calling out whenever he is announcing his Matchday squad.
2. OLD LEGS STRUGGLED
Aged players struggled to make impact against Mozambique. Muhammad Sulumba and Stain Davie were unable to cope with Mozambique’s pace.
The duo were fed in the box by Chester on three occasions but their finishing was very poor as they directed all great balls off target.
Dribbling again was a major problem for the duo and the introduction of Chiukepo Msowoya and Gilbert Chirwa did not pay dividends either for the similar reasons to that of Sulumba and Davie.
May be it’s high time the technical panel start putting trust in youthful players.
3. STRUGGLING IN DEFENDING
At times, Flames were struggling at the back due to poor coordination between goalkeeper and defense that led to Mozambique’s goal.
Charles Thom is always quite, without shouting and giving his defence instructions. And the game has also exposed another weakness in him, that is poor judgement of the ball. Severally he was caught in no man’s land, one of it gifted Mamba’s a goal.
He needs stiff competition from fellow goalkeepers and again he needs to be rested for him to wake up and improve his game.
At the back, Paul Ndhlovu, Stanley Sanudi and Gomezgan Chirwa were solid but the player who need alot of homework is Miracle Gabeya. He failed to deal with the ball that ended into Flames net. Among all the defenders he conceded more free-kick in dangerous positions and also he needs to improve his passing accuracy.
4. POOR TACTICS FROM MARINICA
The 4-3-3 formation needs number 10 to play behind main the Striker but Marinica improvised Mecium Mhone on that area no wonder he failed to create goal scoring chances.
As well, the formation used needs wide forwards who can dribble but the coach opted for Sulumba to operate as left forward no wonder he struggled to deliver.
The coach has also a problem when it comes to substitutions. In midfield, an offensive Idana was substituted for a defending Midfielder Gilbert Chirwa, then he brought in defender Sambani to play in midfield alongside Chikoti Chirwa, another defending midfielder which means Flames ended up with 7 defending players which is pathetic for a home team itching for a win
