Reminiscent Flames squad of yonder
* Interesting the goal scorers Frank Mtawali (1992) and Chiukepo Msowoya (2008) originate from Karonga and both scored in the northern goal
By Duncan Mlanjira
In his throwback reminisce of the encounters between Malawi Flames and the Pharaohs of Egypt, football analyst, Dyson Musa recalls that it took 16 years for the Flames to replicate the 1992 1-0 win against Egypt at Kamuzu Stadium.
In 1992, the Flames defeated Egypt 1-0 through late Frank ‘Burruchaga’ Mtawali and achieved the same scoreline in 2008 through Chiukepo Msowoya — both at Kamuzu Stadium.
“Interestingly, the goal scorers Frank Mtawali (1992) and Chiukepo Msowoya (2008) originate from Karonga and both scored in the northern goal,” recalls Musa on his Facebook post.
Chiukepo Msowoya celebrating the memorable win against Egypt in 2008
Musa adds that 15 years after the 2008 win through Msowoya (2023), the Flames were defeated twice in Cairo 2-0 and in Lilongwe 0-4.
“Three years later, on Matchday 3 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) 2027 qualifiers the two face off in Cairo [this evening from 21h00 CAT].
“The minus is on the Flames to work out a result that can shock the world. Maybe the Flames incubate a plan to break the 18-year-old jinx at home in Lilongwe in the return match on Tuesday afternoon, November 17.
“But the Flames are competing with a team that is streets ahead of them. With the El Niño weather, the best health tip in the back-to-back matches is to manage expectations.
“There is no Miracle in football, the best precedent in football is defying odds. Macheza aFriday,” wrote Musa.
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In its analysis when giving winning odds at 4/9, betting firm, beinSports, singled out 19-year-old Mwisho Mhango to be featured by coach Kalisto Pasuwa.
The betting firm took cognizance that Mwisho made his first Bundesliga 2 debut with German side Hannover 96 over two weeks ago.
Mwisho Mhango
On Egypt, beinSports’ analyses that signing off September with a routine 5-0 romp over South Sudan away, the Pharaohs will be seeking a repeat performance tonight.
“Suffering an infamous FIFA World Cup 2026 collapse back in July as they watched their North American adventure come to an end thanks to a rollercoaster 3-2 loss against Argentina, Egypt are searching for some recent stability.
“In fact, [Ali] Maher’s camp have registered just a single win from any of their previous six appearances across all competitions within 90 minutes.”
Those are just stats, the reality is on the ground and like, Dyson Musa analysed; “There is no Miracle in football, the best precedent in football is defying odds”.
Going through the preparatory drills last evening
