Malawi hold Guinea in Afcon qualifiers: Barren draw

Malawi national football team put up a spirited performance to hold highly fancied Guinea to a goalless draw away in Conakry.

Coach Ernest Mtawali’s decision to give youthful goalkeeper Brighton Munthali an international debut paid off as the former Wizzard player kept his team in the competition by saving many would-be goals.

Football Association of Malawi director of finance Christopher Mdolo who accompanied the team said Munthali made two crucial saves after he was called to duty in the first 21 minutes.

But the team which was a mixed squad of old and trusted players and young blood made the best to hold their head high.

Mtawali recalled defender Harry Nyirenda, Limbikani Mzava, Francis Mlimbika; midfilders Captain Joseph Kamwendo, Robert Ng’ambi by public demand did their best.

The result has put Malawi back into the race with two points after drawing against Swaziland and lost to Zimbabwe 2-1 in the opening match.

The draw has also made the competition in group L wide after Swaziland and Zimbabwe settled for another draw in the same group.

Malawi and Guinea have two points each while Swaziland and Zimbabwe have 5 points apiece.