Gerald Phiri inspires Flames to victory

Gerald Phiri Jnr scored a stunning free kick to give the Flames their first victory under Belgian coach Ronny Van Geneugden.

The Flames thrashed Comoros 1-0 in a 2019 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group B qualifier played at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday.

The win means the Flames have started their qualification campaign by collecting three points and are joint top of Group B with Cameroon.

Malawi national team coach opted for a new look Flames side, handing debuts to Red Lions midfielder Chikoti Chirwa and Wizards captain Daniel Chembezi.

The coach also handed starts to South African Premier Soccer League champion Gabadinho Mhango, Jabulani Linje, Stanley Sanudi and captain Limbikani Mzava.

Some people thought the Flames would struggle but they started brightly as they dominated the match with debutant Chirwa controlling the midfield expertly.

After 31 minutes, Phiri scored a beautiful free kick to put the Flames ahead.

The striking force of Flames continued to pressurise the defence of Comoros with fabulous displays from Mhango, the goal scorer Phiri and Linje who was later replaced by Richard Mbulu.

In the first half, Linje had two clear chances in one to one with goalkeeper but he failed to put the ball into the back of the net.

In the second half, Malawi had many opportunities to double their lead. Phiri failed to score after being set up by Chikoti; Gabadinho shot straight at the Comoros goalkeeper when he could have set up Phiri; while Mbulu’s shot was cleared off the line in the dying minutes of the game.

After 90 minutes, it was 1-0 in favour of Malawi.

In another game in Group B, Cameroon beat Morocco 1-0 through a Vincent Aboubacar goal to go joint top with Malawi.

The Flames’ next game in the campaign is in March next year when they  visit Morocco.