Malawi’s Flames beat hosts Rwanda 1-0 in Wednesday’s warm-up match for September 7’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.
SuperSport United striker Atusaye Nyondo scored the lone goal from the penalty spot on the half hour mark after the hosts’ defender had handled Golden Arrows’ Peter Wadabwa’s cross at Kigali’s Amahoro Stadium.
It was the first win in three games for Malawi volunteer interim Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet whose ultimate desire is to beat the Super Eagles in the Group F match in Calabar.
Malawi, who were without key players Foster Namwela, Chiukepo Msowoya, Esau Kanyenda, Robert Ng’ambi and captain Joseph Kamwendo though work permit hitches and injuries, had Black Leopards defender Harry Nyirenda stretched off after break in Kigali with an injury.
He was replaced by George Nyirenda as the Flames held on to atone for last year’s 2-0 loss to the Amavubi of Rwanda in a Cecafa Cup meeting.
