Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, could not stand in the way of the roaring Indomitable Lions in the World cup qualifiers as the team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Cameroon at Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé, Cameroon last night.
It was another comical display from the Flames, who f ailed to match the hosts in many departments during the match.
The Flames were behind as early as nine minutes after Indomitable Lions Captain Vincent Aboubakar connected a Pierre Kunde inviting pass beating goalkeeper Ernest Kakhobwe.
Michael Ngadeu doubled the hosts’ lead in the 22nd minute of the match.
The win means the Indomitable Lions top Group D of the qualifiers with three points, followed by Ivory Coast, who shared spoils with Mozambique after a 0-0 stalemate in an earl y kick off.
Mozambique are third with one point whereas the Flames anchor the group without a point. The Flames rarely threatened the hosts in the opening 45 minutes of the match.
The two teams went for recess with the hosts having a 2-0 lead.
After the break, Flames Coach Meck Mwase made a double substitution when he brought in Chikoti Chirwa and Gabadinho Mhango for Tawonga Chimodzi and Gerald Phiri Junior, respectively. Khuda Muyaba also replaced Richard Mbulu but by then the game was beyond Flames’ reach.
For the first time, Flames Coach Meck Mwase relegated Orlando Pirates striker Mhango to the bench.
Mwase started with Kakhobwe between the sticks whereas Stanley Sanudi, Captain Limbikani Mzava, Charles Petro and Dennis Chembezi started in defence.
In the midfield, Mwase kept faith in Tawonga Chimodzi, vice-captain John Banda, Peter Banda, Yamikani Chester and Gerald Phiri Junior whereas Mbulu started upfront as a lone striker.
In an early kick off, Ivory Coast shared spoils
Mozambique after a goal-less stalemate in Maputo.
The Flames will face Mozambique at Orlando Stadium in the second match of the Group D qualifiers in South Africa.
Line ups: Malawi: Kakhobwe, Sanudi, Mzava, Petro, Chembezi, Chimodzi, Banda, Peter, Chester, Phiri Junior, Mbulu.
Cameroon: Epassy, Ngadeu, Fai, Moukoudi, Mbaizo, Hongla, Kunde, Toko, Moumi, Aboukar, Choupo.
