Malawi beat Nambia 1-0 in World Cup qualifier: Gaba score
Gabadini Mhango struck a decisive goal at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek to keep Malawi’s World Cup qualification campaign on track on Saturday when they defeated Namibia 1-0.
This was a crucial Group-F 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier and Malawi’s win has helped boost the chances of the Flames earning five points now after 1-1 and 0-0 draw with Nigeria and Kenya respectively.
Malawi are now joint group leaders with Nigeria who drew 1-1 with Kenya.
Namibia are now third behind the Flames with three points from three games, a point ahead of the Kenya, who are bottom with two points from three games.
Coach Eddington Ng’onamo left the squad for Malawi because his son died.
But his assistant Patrick Mabedi told Zodiak Broadcasting Services who were broadcasting the game live that the win was well deserved.
“We are happy that we won. Our game plan was very good. The players were dedicated,” said Mabedi.
“We had a game plan. We didn’t start well but later settled in,” he added.
“I am very happy that we have managed to win away from home. I dedicate this victory to Eddie Ng’onamo. We missed quite a number of chances but we kept our patience until we got the goal in the second half,” said Mabedi.
Malawi new skipper Joseph ‘Shakira’ Kamwendo also said the win was dedicated to coach Ng’onamo on the loss of his son.
One of Malawians resident in Namibia who watched the game, Justice Mkandawire expressed his happiness with the win.
“We are excited to see Malawi win,” he said.
The game
A minute into the games, the Flames kicked-off the match on a jittery note as Limbikani Mzava made a silly blunder which could have resulted into a goal.
However, the Flames were on rampage in the 12th minute when veteran Fischer Kondowe – making a come back to the national duty – nearly opened the score sheet but a Namibia defender cleared the ball away.
In the 27th minute, Ndaziona Chatsalira’s beauty cross into the 18 yard box was not well ultilised by South African based Atusaye Nyondo who shot off target.
Namibia, who have been handed their first defeat on their home ground, came closer but the combination of James Sangala, Mzava, Harry Nyirenda and Moses Chavula was too solid for the Brave Warriors to penetrate.
Come second half, the Flames technical panel made several changes bringing in Big Bullets wonderboy Gabadihno Mhango who silenced Windhoek city with a stunner.
The return fixture between Namibia and Malawi will be played in June.
Flames’ line up: Goalkeeper- Owen Chaima, Defenders- James Sangala, Harry Nyirenda, Moses Chavula, Limbikani Mzava, Midfielders- Joseph Kamwendo ©, Fischer Kondowe, Douglas Chirambo (Ndaziona Chatsalira), Joseph Kamwendo, Robert Ng’ambi, Ziko Mkanda (Chimango Kaira), Atusaye Nyondo (Gabadinho Mhango).
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