Mozambique redeem themselves with Malawi win

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Nov 16, 2021. 17:32

Mozambique defeated Malawi 1-0 in their final 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification Group D match at the Stade de l’Amitié in Benin on Tuesday afternoon.

As a result, the Mambas finished in third place on the Group D standings, while the Flames moved down to the fourth spot.

2022 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS GROUPS

Mozambique were on a revenge mission having succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to their Southern African rivals Malawi away in the reserve fixture in September last month.

The Mambas were the better side in the first-half as did most of the attacking, while also dominating possession and they came very close to breaking the deadlock through Witi.

The Portugal-based left-back’s thunderous attempt hit the woodwork with goalkeeper Ernest Kakhobwe well beaten and the Flames cleared their lines.

The score was 0-0 during the half-time break in Cotonou with Mozambique having come closest to scoring in the first-half.

The Mambas continued to exert pressure on the Flames and it paid off when Malawi captain Limbikani Mzava netted an own-goal to hand Mozambique a 1-0 lead in the 51st minute.

Meke Mwase, the Malawi head coach, reacted by introducing attackers Yambikani Chester and Richard Mbulu on the hour-mark as the Flames looked to level matters.

Chester became a constant threat to the Mozambican defence and his long-range attempt flew over the cross without troubling Maputo Rali goalkeeper Ernan in the Mozambique goal-posts.

The dreadlocked attacker then created the last real chance of the game when he set up Mbulu, who was denied by Ernan from close range in the 86th minute and ultimately, Mozambique emerged 1-0 winners.

Mozambique 1 (Mzava 51′)

Malawi 0

Mozambique: Ernan, Zainadine Júnior, Sidique, Reinildo, Witi (Telinho 67′), Edmilson, Dominguês, Kambala (Geraldo 67′), Shaquille (Catamo 76′), Clésio, Reginaldo (Antonio 76′).

Malawi: Kakhobwe, Mzava, Sanudi, Chirwa, Petro, Chimodzi, Mkwate (Mbulu 60′), Idana, P.Banda (Njaliwa 82′), Madinga (Chester 60′), Muyaba.