Although they looked threatening, Zimbabwe failed to grab the three points when they lost 2-1 to Malawi in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group clash at Stade de Kouekong in Bafoussam on Friday evening.
The Warriors managed a solitary score through Ishmael Wadi when he finished a powerful header in the 38th minute of the match.
The two goals for Mario Marian Marinica’s men came from Gabadhino Mhango in the 43rd and 58th minute of the second round of Africa Cup of Nations group stage fixtures.
Zimbabwe stepped into their usual dominance of possession for large parts of the opening exchanges but failed to create any chances from open play.
The Warriors best openings in the first 20 minutes came from set-pieces with Knowledge Musona going close on two occasions.
Richard Mbulu came close to opening the scoring for the Flames in the 30th minute but his header was palmed away by Petros Mhari.
Zimbabwe side eventually took advantage of the dominance, as un-marked Wadi gave his side the lead with a powerful header from ten-yards out.
Malawi found an equalizer four minutes later when Gabadinho Mhango connected Francisco Madinga from the right side of the six yard box past Mhari.
Both teams went into the tunnel tied 1-1 despite Zimbabwe having dominated the first half.
The Flames came back rejuvenated after their half-time team talk with Romanian gaffer Mario Marian Marinica.
They went ahead on the 58th minute following a mistake by Zimbabwe defender Teenage Habede, who failed to clear the ball and allowed Mhango place a right footed shot into the back of the net.
Zimbabwe were coming to life in the closing stages, threatening to find the equaliser especially after the introduction of Jordan Zemura and Kudakwashe Mahachi.
Despite a late surge from the Warriors, the Flames managed to see out the remaining minutes and claim the three points.
Lineups:
Malawi: Ernest Kakhobwe – Stanley Sanudi, Dennis Chembezi, Limbikani Mzava (Lawrence Chaziya 27) – Khuda Muyaba, John Banda, Francisco Madinga, Chimwemwe Idana, Gomezgani Chirwa – Gabadinho Mhango, Richard Mbulu
Zimbabwe: Petros Mhari – Teenage Lingani Hadebe, Onismor Bhasera, Bruce Kangwa – Takudzwa Chimwemwe, Kelvin Madzongwe, John Takwara, Ishmael Wadi, Kundai Benyu – Tino Kadewere, Knowledge Musona
