Malawi lose to 10-man Mali in Africa Cup qualifier

Malawi national football team’s campaign for a third appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations finals suffered a setback with a 2-0 loss to Mali in Bamako on Sunday.

France-based Samassa was shown the red card in the second half soon after striker Bakary Sacko  from English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers had scored for Malai.

The Flames fended off a strong challenge to Mali especially in the first half in which the hosts were kept at bay by impressive goalkeeper McDonald Harawa, according to a commentary monitored on Matindi Radio, who covered the match live from Bamako.

The game was  originally scheduled to be played on Saturday, but torrential rain forced a 24-hour delay.

It was probably the same old song for the Flames of being bad travellers as they could have managed to come up with at least a draw.

But lack of concentration by strikers Chiukepo Msowoya, Robin Ngalande, Gabadinho Mhango did not help the Flames who were desperately searching for a good result away from home.

It was also so painful for Malawi to concede a late second goal with a man more to their advantage .

The 2-0 loss has pushed the Flames to bottom of Group B after Algeria beat Ethiopia 2-1 on Saturday in Addis Ababa to perch on second position while Mali has taken an early lead from the first round of the games.

Ethiopia, who will arrive in Malawi on Monday for the Wednesday game with the Flames, are on third.

The Flames game was rescheduled from Saturday after heavy downpours in Bamako forcing them to leave soon after the game.

They are expected to arrive on Monday ahead of the Ethiopia encounter on Wednesday.

Algeria and Mali clash on Wednesday to fight for the top of the group as they are tied on three points.

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