Malawi lose to Botswana in friendly ahead of Namibia clash
Malawi football team lost 1-0 to Botswana in a friendly encounter on Tuesday at the UB Stadium in Gaborone in readiness of the World Cup qualifiers match against Namibia on Saturday.
The Flames, who played a defensive 4-4-1 system created some chances in the first 45 minutes with veteran Fischer Kondowe, Robert Ng’ambi and Chimango Kayira coordinating very well, according to Williams Gondwa of Matindi Radio, who was covering the game live.
Led by the three new caretaker coaches of Eddington Ngonamo, Ernest Mtawali and Patrick Mabedi, Malawi would have made up the game midway through the half creating better chances but failed to capitalize on a sloopy Zebras defence.
On recess time, it was goaless.
Come second half, the Flames made several changes bringing Big Bullets wonderboy Gabadihno Mhango for Gastin Simkonda, Douglas Chirambo for Ndaziona Chatsalira, Fischer Kondowe for Peter Wadabwa and Lucky Malata for Young Chimodzi Jnr.
But the hosts silenced the Flames The moment of silence occurred in the 24th minute when they notched in a winner before Flames defence pillar James Sangala was shown marching orders for a bad tackle.
Flames assistant coach Patrick Mabedi assured the nation not to panic, saying they have picked “positives” from the friendly match.
Meanwhile, Brave Warriors interim coach Norii Kaanjuka insists the Namibians have what it takes to get past Malawi when the two Southern African nations clash in the 2014 FIFA Africa World Cup qalifier at Windhoek’s Independence Stadium on Saturday at 17h00.
“I believe in my team and given our past record against Malawi, we should have little trouble collecting the three points at stake,” he said.
The Warriors are in 2nd place in the four-team group – one point behind African champions Nigeria and hope to stay in touch with the group leaders after defeating Kenya at home last year.
