Awful Malawi lose to Tanzania: World Cup qualifier

Malawi’s calamitous 2018 World Cup Qualifying campaign suffered a big blow on when they lost 0-2 to Tanzania as they conceded two quick goals within a space of just five minutes in the first half during a match played in Dar-es-Salaam.

Tanzania capitalised on poor defensive lapses in Malawi’s inexperienced and tactless side to record the victory wrapped by the 23rd minute.

Bullets’ Yamikani Fodya was outmaneuvered and Mbwana Samata finishing off the work by beating rusty outsretched goalkeeper Simplex Nthala in the 19th minute.

Samata’s striking partner Thomsa Ulimwengu both based in DRC cushioned the lead to two with a follow up in the 23rd minute.

The goal exposed Nthala’s lack of proper reflaxes as he spilt a weak shot for alert Ulimwenge to extend his team’s lead.

Malawi did not much to challenge Tanzania which should give coach Ernest Mtawali food for thought to revise his approach on the call up.

Hi philosophy of believing in inexperienced players could be his undoing as the team failed to stamp its authority over their opponents ranked 35 steps down.

Malawi face Tanzania in the return on Sunday at Kamuzu Stadium in which the two-legged winner date Algeria in the next round.

They have to score three goals to progress to the next level in the tournament, and must not allow Tanzania to score.

Analysts blame Mtawali

Menawhile, some soccer analysts have blamed the coaching panel for some changes in the squad.

For instance, Malawi’s soccer commentator Steve Liwewe Banda cautioned the coach for sidelining Mighty Be Forward Wanderers Richard Chipuwa in goals.

Banda told Mid Week Sport on MBC Radio 2 that Nthara was to blame for the second goal and emphasized Chipuwa could have done the job better.

“To me leaving out Chipuwa was not a good decision just because he made a few mistakes in Swaziland,” said Banda.

Banda also said the team needs a few veteran players like Esau Kanyenda, who he described a hustler upfront.

“You need a veteran striker like Esau Kanyenda, who can push on defenders, give them tough time for these youngsters not to have difficulties in scoring,” concludes Banda.

Chipping in was another football commentator Patrick Simango, who questioned the featuring of Miracle Gabeya in defence instead of experienced John Lanjesi.