Pasuwa Laments Flames’ Defeat to Sao Tome
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Flames head coach Kalisto Pasuwa has expressed frustration after Malawi’s 1-0 loss to Sao Tome and Principe in their final Group H match of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, played on Monday evening at Stade Olympique de Sousse in Tunisia.
Sao Tome secured the narrow win through Ronaldo Lumungo, who converted from the spot in the 62nd minute after a defensive lapse by Gomezgani Chirwa.
Pasuwa admitted that the result was disappointing, especially as he had hoped to wrap up the campaign with a victory that would boost confidence ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) assignments.
“It would have been better if we had finished with a win,” Pasuwa said. “That would have made our preparations for the next AFCON qualifiers a bit easier.”
The Flames boss noted that his charges lacked composure, particularly in their approach play, where long balls aimed at forwards Babatunde Adepoju and Richard Mbulu failed to produce results.
“Our transition wasn’t sharp enough and we relied too much on long balls instead of building play. That gave the opponents time to regroup,” he explained.
Despite the setback, Pasuwa said he anticipated a tough contest since Sao Tome came into the match with renewed determination after their loss to Tunisia and were yet to record a win in the group.
“We knew it would be a tricky game because they were desperate for a result,” he added.
Malawi finished fourth in Group H with 13 points, while Sao Tome and Principe wrapped up the campaign at the bottom with 3 points their only victory coming against the Flames.
The defeat leaves the Flames with lessons to learn as they shift focus to continental duties, hoping to bounce back stronger under Pasuwa’s guidance.
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