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Makomborero Mutimukulu in Malawi
Malawi ……………. (1) 1
Zimbabwe ……….. (1) 2
KALISTO PASUWA hailed his Warriors as patriotic boys who were ready to die for their motherland after watching them pull off a classic smash and grab affair in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Kamuzu Stadium here yesterday. Goals from Cuthbert Malajila and Khama Billiat, in either half ensured that a Zimbabwe outfit that only arrived in Blantyre by road just before midnight on Friday shared top spot in Group L with Swaziland who stunned Guinea 2-1 away from home.
Malawi, who came into the tie drunk on confidence after a flattering performance at the Cosafa Cup, a one month preparatory period and reading much into the troubles that haunted the Warriors camp ahead of the encounter, got their goal through John Banda.
It came barely a minute after Malajila had given Zimbabwe a 22nd minute lead.
Malajila, who partnered Knowledge Musona upfront, epitomized composure as he neatly controlled a high ball before firing past an exposed McDonald Harawa.
However, the Flames were quick to reply with Banda rifling past Tatenda Mukuruva after some lapse in concentration at the back. The goal spurred the Flames on and the last quarter of an hour became a battle between the hosts and a gallant Mukuruva.
The Dynamos rookie, on his national team debut, stood firm and pulled off five top of the shelf saves to ensure that Zimbabwe went into the breather on level terms.
Referee Christopher Nde’s halftime whistle came as relief for the Warriors as Malawi threw everything, including the kitchen sink, at them.
Teams
Malawi: M Harawa, F Mlimbika, J Lanjesi (L Malata 70 mins), H Nyirenda (G Phiri 90 mins), M Mhone, Z Mkanda (E Kanyenda 69 mins), J Kamwendo, C Kayira, L Mzava, J Banda, A Nyondo
Zimbabwe: T Mukuruva, B Moyo, P Jaure, J Jangano, R Pfumbidzayi, W Katsande, D Phiri, K Mahachi (E Chipeta 87 mins), K Billiat, C Malajila, M Musona (M Nakamba 67 mins).
Online Reporter