Flames held by Lesotho as fans left unimpressed with Marinica’s tactics

By Antony Isaiah Jr:…….

Micium Mhone’s 20-minute super striker was not enough for the Flames to snatch a win over Lesotho as Jane Thabantso came off the bench to spoil the scene for Malawi.

In the second-half supporters who had thronged the Bingu National Stadium started pitching their support behind the visitors, Lesotho after Flames embarked on playing a kick-and-run football.

Micium Mhone one of the few regular starters in Marinica’s first xi against Lesotho put the hosts in front just after 20 minutes from kick-off, instilling hopes in the supporters who despite Lilongwe being rainy, watched the game.

Unlike in the first-half, in the last 45 minutes, Flames perspired to make at least five complete passes. Clever Mkungula denied the visitors from equalising as he made a vital save from the free-kick.

At half-time, the Romanian decided to hook Chimwemwe Idana [the only attacking midfielder in the game], Mighty Mukuru Wanderers’ new signing Christopher Kumwembe and Brighton Munthali for Frank Willard, Chiukepo Msowoya and Clever Mkungula.

Mphatso Kamanga made his first appearance in red-black-green colours with the senior team but his debut could not go as planned as he was replaced by Stain Davie after sustaining an injury towards the end of the first-half.

In formation, Flames had four players in defence, 4 in midfield and 2 in attacking zone. With Willard making his debut with the senior team, he partnered with Charles Petro in midfield but both of them are defending midfielders.

Marinica’s boys invited pressure from the visitors as they had no player in the “hole” considering the fact that both Chiukepo Msowoya and Stain Davie are natural Strikers hence failed to drop to link up the play.

Playing with Jacama Kumwembe and Mphatso Kamanga with Micium Mhone operating from the right wing, Flames were a better side when it comes to attacking and Alick Lungu nearly grabbed the opener only to see his long-range shot being tipped over by Lesotho’s goalkeeper, Sekhuane Moraene.

Kumwembe was playing as a false nine and his versatility proved to be too good for Lesotho’s defence as he skipped away from them through the right flank but his cross was well defended.

Front foot, full throttle and full blooded. This was the Flames their supporters had been pining for in the entire match but it was a sloppy performance from the hosts in the second half.

Failing to attack attracted the visitors to launch promising moves. Clever Mkungula, Miracle Gabs Gabeya, Lawrence Chaziya failed to communicate and eventually referee, Newton Nyirenda judged Miracle Gabeya to have handled the boy in the penalty area.

Jane Thabantso sent Clever Mkungula who replaced Brighton Munthali the wrong way to settle the scores.

The introduction of Gilbert Chirwa gave Malawi the edge in the attacking area but his deliveries from the right flank were being misjudged by the strikers.

It was the third draw between the two sides as they also settled for one all stalemates in 2016 and 2019.

Dan Chimbalanga, Alick Lungu and Micium Mhone impressed for the Flames with Lungu providing assist for Mhone’s brilliant finish.

Mario Marinica in the post-match interviews said the players lacked match fitness.

“The match was good for us. For 60 minutes we played well after that we struggled and this is what I was saying that the players lack match fitness. But overall we should look at positive side. We created a lot chances and scored. On their equalisers I don’t think that was a penalty. But well such is life.”

His counterpart Veselin Jelušić said the result was not important for Likuena.

He said: “The result is less important for us. What is important is our preparations for the Afcon qualifier against Zambia.

“But Malawi team is strong team. You had more chances during the game but in the second half we were a better team. Overall I am satisfied.”

The Flames used the match as one way of preparing for the African Cup Of Nations qualifiers as they will face the 10-time Champions, Egypt back-to-back next month.

A trip to Saudi Arabia for further preparations will follow for Marinica’s boys.