Good start for Ernest Mtawali
As Football Association of Malawi (Fam) advertised Flames coach job, care-taker coach Ernest Mtawali secured a morale boosting win when his charges struck late to beat Uganda’s Cranes 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium on Monday.
Recalled forward Chiukepo Msowoya justified his return to the Malawi national football team fold when his late goal sank Uganda’s Cranes during the 51st Independence Day Celebration match.
Msowoya rose high to expertly guide a corner-kick from teammate Yamikani Fodya to send fans into frenzy.
Until the goal, Malawi’s performance was far from convincing. The hosts played second fiddle to Uganda who overcame travel huddles after arriving late in the afternoon for the friendly match.
The jam-packed Kamuzu Stadium was expecting a lot from the Flames but the performance was not compelling.
Mtawali gave debut to Be Forward Mighty Wanderers full-back Stanley Sanudi and Moyale Barracks striker Deus Nkutu. However, it was Sanudi who made first impression with his back-and-fouth runs.
The coach also reshuffled his squad bringing in youngsters while other experienced players were given new roles.
Blue Eagles playmaker, Christopher Jon Banda, partnered Phillip Masiye at the midfield while Sankhani Mkandawire and John Lanjesi combined as centre half with Fodya and Sanudi operating as full backs.
Flames goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa was a bit nervous but he gained composure as the game matured while his reaction was quick.
Despite suffering jet lag following their late arrival, Uganda were more composed unlike the hosts.
Uganda’s Khalid Aucho and Luwagga Kizito were impressive but they failed to frustrate the home side.
Flames coach Ernest Mtawali said it was important to give fans an Independence Day victory following the team’s poor start to the 2017 Afcon qualifiers.
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