Malawi beat Uganda 1-0 on independence day: Chiukepo Msowoya goal

Striker Chiukepo Msowoya was hero of the day on Monday 6 July as his lone strike earned the Flames of Malawi a sweet 1-0 win over Uganda, in an Independence Anniversary Celebrations match at Kamuzu Stadium .

Msowoya, who is enjoying a rich vein of form weighing in with impressive displays, scored in the dyining minutes of the game to give Malawians something to celebrate.

The ex-Orlando Pirates striker, who is also in top form at champions Big Bullets, winning goal gave interim coach Ernest Mtawali and his backroom staff a perfect audition, watched by President Peter Mutharika and visiting Zambian leader Edgar Lungu before the packed crowd that had the privilege of watching the game for free.

The win was a relief to last month’s 2-1 loss to Zimbabwe in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers which cost Young Chimodzi the Flames coaching job.

Msowoya who was not in Chimodzi’s squad was drafted in by interim coach Mtawali and interim team manager Chancy Gondwe after a long spell out on the sidelines because of injury and repaid  Mtawali’s faith.

Uganda’sKezironi Kizito had the best chance for Uganda with a 17th minute curling free kick saved by the woodwork.

The match looked destined for a barren result coming into the 90th minute but Msowoya’s powerful header separated the two sides to give hundreds of Malawians joy to cheer for on their independence day anniversaries.

Mtawali said: “This was the expectation of the public to win the game. Being a new team with a new coach, the public wanted good results.”

He said the coaching panel will put to trial different players until they build up a strong team that can represent Malawi and bring in good results.

The Ugandans travel to Egypt after the Malawi match on July 18 for CAF Under-23 assignment.