By Erik Chiputula:
The Malawi Football National Team-The Flames head to Mozambique this weekend for the second leg of the 2022 Algeria CHAN tournament.
The Mario Marinica charges made life difficult for themselves as they failed to capitalize on home ground advantage coming from behind to force a 1-1 draw against the visiting Mambas.
Ahead of the the second leg in Maputo on Sunday we take a look at some of the key things the Flams must avoid in the neighboring nation if they are to escape unscathed in a match the Flames must avoid defeat at all cost if they are to progress to the next round.
RIGHT POSITIONS
The flames boast of massive talent that can challenge any opponent on the continent on their day but fielding and combinations has remained a biggest challenge since Mario Marinica took charge of the side earlier this year,.
That was evident again on Sunday as the Romanian born coach forced a natural; number 9 striker Muhammad Sulumba to operate from the left wing.
Sulumba struggled throughout the first 45 minutes no wonder he was withdrawn at half time.
Another one who struggled to impress was Blue Eagles winger Micium Mhone who was improvised as a number 10.
Throughout the match Mhone was non-existent as he kept on covering ground in search of the ball. Boy was completely out of place.
The Goalkeeping department is another area that Marinica must seriously work on if the Flames are to keep a clean sheet in Maputo. Last Saturday he opted for the out of form Charles Thom at the expense of the experienced inform Brighton Munthali.
Thom was partly to blame for the goal the flames conceded as he misjudged the cross from the Mozambican left winger which led to the goal.
All things being equal Brighton Munthali must6 be Flames number one if current form is one of the pre-requisites that warrants one a starting berth in the Flames line up.
USE PACY PLAYERS
If there’s one weakness to Flames’ attack then its pace. Last Saturday Yamikani Chester was a marvel to watch with his dribbling and pace but his compatriots were too slow to meet his crosses.
Since Mozambique were much comfortable with the ball, we expect them to enjoy possession so counter attacks on the part of Flames is a must. In his preferred 4-3-3 formation Marinica should use fast players in wings like Chester, Mhone, Lanjesi Nkhoma and Gaddie Chirwa and put a number 9 who is a bit quicker than the others.
It’s unfortunate that the coach has opted to select more deep lying players in his midfield but he can put two holding midfielders and deploy Chimwemwe Idana in an advanced attacking role.
And again the Flames defense was exposed last Saturday as it was too slow to react.
The Flames coach has to work out on how to deal with power and pace of Mozambiques center forwards.
SCORE AN EARLY GOAL
Malawi needs to surprise the Mambas with a quick goal which can give the Flames players much confidence and disturb the opponents’ game plan.
If the flames are to allow the Mambas score first then hopes of getting a result in Mozambique will be shattered as the team will be under pressure.
AVOID SAILLY MISTAKES
Flames players need to stay focused from the word go. In the first leg the team conceded a silly goal due to poor communication between defenders and the goalkeeper so such mistakes needs to be avoided at all cost on Sunday.
