Malawi held 2-all in Swaziland in Afcon: Mtawali magic fails to break away jinx

Malawi national football team failed to break the away jinx despite the magic wand of new coach Ernest Mtawali after being held to a two-all draw by Swaziland on Sunday in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Flames twice took the lead only to see the hosts coming back to equalize as they denied the new coach a dream start to his career.

Gerald Phiri Jnr scored early on the game but the Swaziland equalized before striker Chiukepo Msowoya restored the lead in the 21stminute.

The hosts broke the heart of Mtawali and his charges after conceding a 62nd minute goal to stay at the bottom of the table in the  group following Zimbabwe and Guinea settled for a one-all draw.

Mtawali, who has all along questioned the attitude of the players described the result as painful having given away the goals easily

“ We should have won this match,” he said in post-match interview.

“ We gave away lead twice and they were easier goals. We failed to play our planned game to keep possession. But we still have a chance in this group. A point away from home in Africa not that bad,” he said.

Malawi were hoping for a positive results to revive the campaign after a stuttering start to the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-1 home loss to Zimbabwe.

Swaziland are leading the group with four points after winning 2-1 away to Guinea.

Zimbabwe have also  four points but Swaziland  have scored more goals.

This was Mtawali’s first competitive match after he was appointed head coach with Burundian Nsazurwimo Ramadhan as his assistant.

They replaced Young Chimodzi and Jack Chamangwana.

This means the Flames are yet to taste a win in the Afcon qualifying campaign.

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