The Malawi National Football team (the Flames) drew with Guinea in a heavily contested game, in Lilongwe Malawi.
The Flames claimed their first goal through Robert Saize during the first 20 minutes of the game.
After break time, Guinea responded with an equalizer through Aguibou Camara and Saidou Sow netting goals on 56th and 58th minute respectively on substitute goalkeeper, Clever Nkungula, who had just come in at half time.
However, in the 88th minute, Malawi equalized through a header from Lawrence Chaziya which paralysed Guinea’s hopes for a win fight. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, paving way for Guinea to qualify for the Afcon 2023.
Seydouba Cisse replaced Morlaye Sylla, Ilaix Moriba came in for Ibrahuna Cisse whereas Saidou Sow came in for Mohamed Ali Camara.
In response Flames coach Patrick Mabedi introduced Christopher Kumwembe and Wisdom Mpinganjira in the 68th minute who replaced Nkhoma and Richard Mbulu.
He also took out debutant Tatenda M’balaka and replaced him with Francisco Madinga. Peter Banda also came in for injured Lloyd Aaron.
Captain John CJ Banda and Aaron partnered in central midfield.
In a post match interview, Flames coach Patrick Mabedi backed up the draw, saying, “it was a very big test because we were playing with a very good team, we need also to salute the boys as you are aware this is a new team which I am building but as time goes on they are getting even stronger.”
The Flames are now unbeaten in open play in seven consecutive games across all competitions under Mabedi’s responsibility.
The former Malawian skipper took over the mantle in caretaker capacity after the exit of Romanian Mario Marinica in April this year.
Malawi and Guinea have met seven times with the Sly Nationale dominating proceedings by winning five matches compared to one for the Flames. The other game ended in a draw.
The Flames lost both home and away to group winners Egypt and away to second placed Guinea to finish with one and, two draws three losses.
The Flames are out of the qualifying race for the next Afcon finals scheduled for Ivory Coast; hence, their meeting with Guinea’s Sly Nationale was a merely academic.
The Flames were crashed out of Group D qualifying race after a goalless draw with the group’s table anchors, Ethiopia, on June 20 2023 at Stadio Nacional do Zimpeto in Mozambique.
More details on avantmalawi.com