The Maravi Post

BLANTYRE--To crown the muted Independence Day celebration, Malawi national football team beat the reigning Africa Cup champions Zambia by one goal to nil.

The lone goal came in the 35th minute - 10 minutes before the end of the match - of the second half from midfielder Joseph Kamwendo, triggering off wild celebrations from the Kamuzu Stadium that was filled to capacity.

The Flames needed this win as a confidence builder because the highly rated Black Stars of Ghana is waiting for them in September for the honor to go to 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals to be played in South Africa.

According to news reports from the game played in Malawi, the visiting Chipolopolo dominated the first half and The Flames were fortunate not to have conceded a goal.

From the look of things, the half-time pep talk from coach Kinna Phiri - supporters have been calling for his firing - seemed to have ignited the Flames who scored the lone goal in the second half to win the match.

Zambian coach Harve Renard opted not give any interviews after the game.

The French coach used this opportunity to try some players he intends to include in the upcoming matches with Uganda for AFCON.

Renard's opposite number, Phiri, also used a similar tactic, trying new players for the upcoming big match against the Black Stars.
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