Malawians unconvinced with Flame’s performance

Despite Flames starting their 2023 Afcon Qualification with a victory, a good number of pundits have advised Malawi National Team Head of Technical Panel, Mario Marian Marinica to do with alot of shortfalls in his team before facing Guinea away from home.

The call comes barely some hours after Malawi recorded a pulsating win over Ethiopia at home on Sunday afternoon at Bingu National Stadium.

Pilirani Kachinziri, senior sports journalist, said Flames survived Ethiopia’s scare.

“We have bagged three points after 2-1 it’s good. However, tactically we were not good, we could have kept our cleansheet. The system that we used exposed us because from midfield going forward we were not at our best,” said Kachinziri.

Another Football analyst, George Kaudza-Masina echoed Kachinziri’s sentiment.

He said, “We have problems with our fielding. We have won but we have a lot problems to address before Guinea.”

However, in-stand Captain for Flames John CJ Banda said they are still coping with Marinica’s philosophy.

“Our performance was poor. We are still learning the system and we are hoping to catch up it soon,” said Banda.

The UD Songo Captain also added that the players were happy with the victory.

Marinica accepted that his charges were not at their best but was happy with the win.

In the game, Flames struggled to enjoy the possession as their midfield was disjointed paving way for Ethiopia to enjoy the game in the entire game.

Marinica opted for a 4-3-3 formation with Chimwemwe Idana, Gerrard Phiri Jr and CJ Banda in the midfield but their combination was not that needed.

Though the house was full, Malawi were outclassed by Ethiopia who were playing passing,Supporting and pressing football trimming Flames into their own half and they got 78% of ball possession while the hosts got 22%.

Gabadinho Mhango scored twice from the spot-kick to earn Flames a much needed victory at home. Aboubakr Nassir scored the consolation goal for the Walyas.

The Flammable Flames sit joint-top with Egypt who scored a late goal to claim three points over Guinea in another Group D match in Cairo.

Malawi, the Flames are expected to fly off today, Monday through Kamuzu International Airport to Conakry for the second game against Guinea in Group D while Ethiopia will take on Egypt at Bingu in Lilongwe.