Malawi beat Zambia on Independence Day celebrations
Malawi national football team, the Flames, scorched reigning African soccer champions, Zambia’s Chipolopolo 1-0 in an international friendly match at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The match was arranged to commemorate Malawi’s 48th independence anniversary.
The Flames scored through evergreen midfielder Joseph ‘Shakira ‘Kamwendo through a thunderous shot.
Zambia dominated the first 45 minutes while Flames came with new ideas in second half.
“Zambia gave us a good run. They are not an ordinary side, these are African champions,” Malawi head coach Kinnah Phir told Nyasa Times after the match.
Zambia’s Herve Renard refused to grant interviews to journalists.
The Frenchman had earlier said the friendly match against Malawi would act as a good platform for the upcoming and locally-based Zambian players in the development team to showcase their skills for possible inclusion in the Chipolopolo team.
Malawi coach also used selected locally-based players in order to give them a chance to prove themselves. They included goalkeeper Charles Swini,defenders Foster Namwera, Steven Chagoma, Ndaziona Chatsalira and Pilirani Makupe.
On the middle of the park, there was Chimango Kaira and Frank Banda, while John Banda and Joseph Kamwendo operated from the wings.
The attacking machinery had Green Harawa and Gabadin Mhango.
On the latest FIFA rankings, the Chipolopolo are placed 41st in the world and sixth in Africa while Malawi have moved from 107th to 93rd globally and 24th on the continent.
Mboma, Ethiopia coach watched
Meanwhile, visiting former Cameroonian star Patrick Mboma and Ethiopian coach John Tesama and 22 football ambassadors that are expected to play a Unity match on July 7, watched the Malawi and Zambia friendly.
The group comprised to 22 players from 21 separate countries in Africa briefly paraded at the stadium during the half time of the match.
Among other things the group displayed their football juggling antics in a show down with Malawi’s PlaySoccer ball jugglers.
Briefing journalists in Blantyre, leader of the delegation Jamillah Mwanjisi said they felt ‘very’ honoured to be allowed to watch the friendly much as were as allowed to parade before Malawians at the stadium.
“We know Malawians are in a party mood and we are happy to join them.,” Mwanjisi said.
She said the group was in the country to raise awareness on issues that are affecting ordinary people.
“We are going to spice Malawi’s party mood on July 7 at the stadium where Malawi’s celebrated musicians will entertain the guests,” she said.
“Our activities at the stadium are free. We are grateful to Malawi’s former President Bakili Muluzi for allowing to grace the occasion, Minister of Sports Enock Chakufwa Chihana and Lucious Banda and other dignitaries,” she said.—(Additional reporting by Tenson Kalonga, Nyasa Times)
