Malawi lose to Botswana ahead of Nigeria crunch World Cup tie
Malawi national football team, the Flames, on Tuesday lost 0-1 to Botswana in an international training game played at National Stadium in Gaborone but coach Ton Saintfeit in an interview with Nyasa Times correspondent claims the mood inside the Flames camp remains upbeat ahead of Saturday’s crunch clash with Nigeria.
Malawi was using the game to shape up for crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria on Saturday in Calabar.
Botswana’s Jerome Ramatlhakwane scored the lone go six minutes into the second half to hand Botswana 1-0 win against Malawi.
Saintfiet tried new combinations among them Foster Namwela and James Sangala at the back while Robert Ng’ambi played as a supporting striker behind Atusaye Nyondo , in his trademark position at Platinum Stars in South Africa where he is scoring a lot of goals.
The Belgian-born tactician still insists Malawi have what it takes to burn down the Super Eagles of Nigeria during their decisive World Cup qualifier game .
Flames need a win to move to the next round of the qualifiers while the Eagles need just a draw to fly their way through.
Saintfeit said despite the loss in Botswana there is “unshakeable spirit within his squad” ahead of the Calabar fixture.
He said players are committed to deliver the objective of the trip – to win!
Flames leave Botswana Wednesday for Ghana where they will proceed to Nigeria on Thursday.