Malawi top Group B

By JOY NDOVI IN MPUMALANGA, SA

Substitute Fischer Kondowe’s second half goal earned Malawi vital points over Comoros in their quest to clinch the Cosafa title for the first time and top Group B.

This follows Namibia’s 1-1 draw against Lesotho in another game Tuesday.

Malawi top the group with six points followed by Namibia on four points, Lesotho on third with a point and Comoros on the bottom with no point.

Even though Flames captain Peter Mjojo Mponda won the man of the match award, it was the militant winger who breathed life into Malawi’s attack on Tuesday at Lilian Ngoyi Stadium in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Kondowe’s lone strike against lowly ranked Comoros was enough to earn Malawi maximum points in group B of the Cosafa tournament.

The goal came as a result of a corner kick which Fischer won just five minutes after his introduction in the 66th minute.

Ali Moindjie cleared the ball into Kondowe’s path after failing to deal with an exchange of passes between the winger and fellow substitute Robert Ng’ambi.

The former Black Leopards attempted what was more of a cross than a shot on target and the ball

caught Comoros goalkeeper Muhammad Assanu off-guard much to the relief of Malawi’s bench.

The goal came at a time when Flames coach Kinnah Phiri and his backroom staff, were becoming frustrated following numerous missed opportunities.

Just like on Sunday, Atusaye Nyondo, Chikepo Msowoya and winger Innocent Jere were denied goals by Comoros goalkeeper, a thing which Kinnah attributed to lack of experience.

The game exposed the need for will power which was in substitutes Kondowe, Mponda and Robert Ng’ambi who replaced Jere, Chikondi Likwemba and Malumbo Mkandawire respectively.

Ironically Kinnah left the three professionals on bench since they did not train with their colleagues after reporting for national duties late on Monday.

Malawi played much better than in the first game but coach Kinnah admitted that his charges were still goal shy upfront.

“You know some of the players aren’t experienced that is why we are having such problems,” Kinnah said.

“But it is good that we have won. Now all we have to do is to concentrate on our last game against Namibia on Thursday.”

Kinnah will have to work on the midfield which was a bit sloppy giving room to Sohili Bourhani and Anzizi Madi to maneuver.

He will also have to make sure that the central defence in the next game is intact if the Flames are to qualify for the quarterfinals.