Malawi flamed as Zimbabwe battle back to beat Zambia

The host Nation, Malawi were flamed in front of their matchgoers as the Harambe Stars, Kenya claimed their first ever big victory in the fixture when they claimed a 4-0 win at the Bingu National Stadium.

The embarrassing defeat means that Patrick Mabedi’s Flames have just won one game from their last six matches, losing twice and drawing three times, extended from the Cosafa Cup games.

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Since claiming three back-to-back wins over Kenya from 2005 to 2011, Malawi are now without a win against the Harambe Stars in their last six games, losing three times and drawing three.

A tournament that Mabedi described as the opportunity to try new players, the Coach named two new faces in the starting Xi both playing in defence.

Youngster, Cambridge United defender, Jubri Okedina who paired up with Denis Chembezi at the back might have grabbed the opportunity with his both hands while another debutee Joseph Balakasi threw his face downwards after seeing the board showing his shirt number as the one being substituted just 11 minutes into the game.

After thrashing Seychelles in their previous game, Kenya ran riot of Malawi as they were two up just inside the first five minutes. Qatar based striker, Michael Olunga scored an early goal just 42 seconds from the first whistle before beating Brighton Munthali from 12-yards.

Kenya’s victory on Saturday was the heaviest defeat for Malawi to the Eastern Africa team since they faced off for the first time in 1989, January 7. The coming of Lanjesi Nkhoma brought a spark but the damage was already done as Malawi were struggling to energize themselves to fight back.

Gabadinho Mhango missed the target from free-kick before Chawangwa Kaonga appealed for a penalty after being brought down in the penalty area. Again, Mhango’s free-kick nearly brought Malawi to life but it just missed the target with some inches.

Lanjesi Nkhoma dances down the left flank before curling it towards the left corner but it deflected off the defender. Malawi were off to a good start in the second half but Lloyd Banega Aaron failed to half Kenya’s lead from the spot as Patrick Musotsi Matasi saved it to keep Kenya’s two-goal lead intact.

As Malawi were pushing for the equalising goals, Kenya extended the lead with two goals in the last 10 minutes. Ayub Masika dashed away Malawi’s hope of fighting back before John Avire stamped the victory with the last kick of the game.

Following the defeat, Malawi will face their neighbors, Zambia in the battle for the third place finish while Kenya will take on Zimbabwe.

The Warriors staged a dramatic comeback to beat Chipolopolo in the early kick off.

The Chipolopolo started their opening match at the Four Nations Invitational tournament on a losing note with a 6-5 defeat by Zimbabwe on post-match penalties after the match ended 2-2 in regulation time.

Captain Stoppilla Sunzu had set Zambia on a dream start with well headed effort in the first minute before Clatous Chama doubled the lead with cheeky lob outside the box to send the Chipolopolo fans in a frenzy.

A cluster of traveling fans led by Zambia Sports Fans Association president pastor Peter Makembo stole the show with their solidarity songs.

However, Zimbabwe replied in emphatic fashion with Bonne Miles coming through for the Warriors after capitalizing on some laxity in the Zambian defence.

As Zambia was looking like heading to the break with a 2-1 lead, Walter Musona tapped from close range after a harmless looking low ball was whipped in the Zambian box.

The second half provided a see-saw affair with Zambia finishing strong but with no goals coming the game had to be settled via a penalty shoot-out.

Zambia started the ball rolling through Patson Daka who made no mistake while Emmanuel Banda, Toaster Nsabata and Sunzu had their penalties saved.

Gift Mphande, Clatous Chama, Golden Mashata and Benedict Chepeshi tucked away their efforts.

The Warriors scored their efforts through John Takwara, Tino Kadewere, Marshal Munetsi, Andrew Farai, Bernard Donovan and Daniel Msendami.

The villains were Musona and Divine Lunga who had their efforts saved.

Zimbabwe will await the winner of the match between Kenya and Malawi for the final tussle while the loser will contest the third and fourth place play off on Tuesday.