Malawi qualify for Africa Cup of Nations finals
Malawi booked their place at Africa Cup of Nations finals to be hosted by Angola in January 2010 despite losing against Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou on Saturday.
The Flames qualification was safe as Ivory Coast beat Guinea (3-0) to paralyse them from snatching the remaining lot in Group E. Malawi took fourth position with four points.
Despite the return of Russian-based hit man Esau Kanyenda, Chiukepo Msowoya was selected ahead of Kanyenda to partner Russell Mwafulirwa and Peter Wadabwa up front.
Kanyenda was however introduced in the second half replacing Msowoya as the two teams were goalless in the first half.
Burkina Faso scored at the early stages of the second half barely a minute through Moumouni Dagano.
Malawi conceded a penalty but Swadick Sanudi in goals “brilliantly” saved the spot kick.
Skippered by Peter Mponda the Flames prevailed with a sterling performance of players Hellings Mwakasungula, Maupo Msowoya, James Sangala, Jacob Ngwira and Joseph Kamwendo.
Cerebrations have meanwhile erupted in the streets of Malawi over the country’s qualification in the Nations Cup.
