FAM.mw

FAM.mw

Flames date Angola in next round

The Malawi national soccer side, the Flames, have qualified for the next round of the African Championships (CHAN) despite a one goal to nil loss to the Mambas of Mozambique in Nampula on Saturday, March 27th, 2007.

The Flames put up a gallant fight throughout the encounter but lacked spark in the striking force.

Green Harawa had good chances in the match but his efforts were dealt a big blow by the Mambas goalkeeper.

Bernard Harawa took a good free kick before the keeper punched to the oncoming Green (not related) who scored but the referee disallowed it for off side.

Flames goalie Simplex Nthara was just a marvel to watch when he denied the Mambas goals on a number of occasions.

"We had a good game but our striking force lacked spark. All in all I am happy that we are through to the next stage of the competition," Flames trainer Kinnah Phiri told the media after the game.

The Flames will play against Angola in their next CHAN assignment later this year.

Midfielder Peter Mgangira has described as a wonderful experience his putting on the armband as the Flames conquered the Mambas of Mozambique 3-0 in the African Championship (Chan) first leg qualifiers at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on March 13.

"Iam grateful to the technical panel for entrusting me to take the armband.

I am probably the happiest man as we have earned a good win with me as captain.

"Let me also thank my fellow players and supporters because the victory was not a one man's show. We need to continue with the spirit that we have in the future," said the Flames captain.

Mgangira engineered the Flames second goal that was scored by Benard Harawa in the 60th minute.

The dreadlocked Silver Strikers midfielder was also among the squad members that went to the 2010 Orange Africa Cup of Nations finals in Angola that was held last January.

The FAM boss went on to say his association would make everything possible to assist the National Women's Football Committee (NWFC) to come up with a strong national team to participate in international competitions.

"FAM will continue to support women's football in the country because we have seen players are ready to take up the challenge on the international level," said Nyamilandu.

Sports minister Dr.Lucius Kanyumba concurred with the FAM president saying he was delighted to see that lady footballers are able to 'pass the ball around, dribble and shoot from any angle'

"It was my first time to watch women football teams since I entered office. I am happy that women footballers are giving out their best to the satisfaction of spectators. In the first place I thought women's football was just a joke but the teams have proved themselves to be a marvel to watch.

"Government would help the women footballers with the necessary support so that their game gets bigger and better," explained the minister who was the guest of honour at the finals.

President of NWFC Suzgo Ngwira applauded FAM for introducing the only competitive women's football tournament calling on members of the corporate world to emulate the gesture shown by the association.

"We thank FAM for all the monetary support that has enabled the organising committee to wind up the competition in grand-style. We look forward to seeing the best in future competitions," said Ngwira.

Lilongwe-based DD Sunshine were crowned 2010 national champions after scoring twice in the last five minutes to defeat Blantyre X1 who led 1-0 at half time.

They pocketed K500,000, a glittering trophy and miniatures while the runners up went home with K250,000. Third placed Kwaito from Mzuzu were given K150, 000 by the association. FAM also gave out cash prizes to individual performers of the competition.

Meamwhile, FAM's women football desk officer Charity Mavumbe has said they are in the process of bringing together a list of lady footballers to revive the women's football national team which went into oblivion a couple of years ago.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) President Walter Nyamilandu Manda has said the association is impressed with the standard of play by women footballers in the country.

He was speaking following a convincing display by teams that participated in this years K3 million FAM sponsored national championships that took place at Kamuzu stadium over the weekend.

"We are convinced with what we have seen during the finals of the women football. The girls displayed good football and we are happy that our sponsorship has really helped to unearth quality lady footballers for the nation," he said.

FAM impressed with women's game

Malawi Women's Soccer President -

Sugzo Ngwira

It's nice to be captain of a winning team - Mgangira

Malawi against South Africa