Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, have been knocked out of the Mukuru 4 Nations Tournament after losing 8-9 on penalties to a makeshift Zambia’s Chipolopolo yesterday in Botswana. Flames head coach Kallisto Pasuwa featured a full-strength side with all foreign-based players while the Zambian side had fringe Under-23 players since their seniors are in Argentina to play the hosts in an international friendly on March 31. Despite the gap in experience and depth, the two teams played out a goalless draw in regulation time, forcing the match to be decided via a penalty shootout.
The shootout was dramatic, with both sides converting their first five set of penalties. Malawi’s Babatunde Adepoju, Charles Petro, Nixon Nyasulu, Mayele Malango and Lloyd Njaliwa all calmly finding the back of the net. The contest moved into sudden death, where tension remained high as both teams continued converting their spot kicks.
Gomezgani Chirwa and goalkeeper William Thole also scored for Malawi during this phase. Zambia had a golden opportunity to seal the win after Wisdom Mpinganjira hit the post. However, Thole kept Malawi in the game by saving a spot kick from Lucas Mutoshi.
[paywall]
Despite the lifeline, Malawi failed to capitalize on Thole’s heroics. McDonald Lameck converted his penalty to restore Malawi’s advantage, but Ephraim Kondowe missed his chance. Substitute Joseph Mutoshi then stepped up and calmly converted the decisive penalty to hand Zambia victory and deny Malawi a place in the final.
In a post-match interview, Pasuwa said losing through penalties was painful. He also bemoaned missed chances that could have helped Malawi wrap up the game in regulation time.
[/paywall]
All Zim News – Bringing you the latest news and updates.
