Tanzania/Malawi: Stars Hold Malawi As Qualifier Draws Closer

Taifa Stars yesterday salvaged a 1-1 draw with visiting Malawi in the final trial match ahead of the 2010 African Nations and World Cup qualifier against Mauritius set for May 31 at the New National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Stars started yesterday's match at a cracking pace with six goal attempts in the opening 20 minutes.

Strikers Athumani Idd, Mrisho Ngasa and Henry Joseph missed chances in the 13th, 15th and 20th minutes respectively.

Any of these potential goals could have easily stunned the visitors, and allow Stars to set the pace.

The visitors improved their performance as the game gained tempo, forcing an abortive corner taken by Noel Mkandawire after 31 minutes.

Hellings Mwakasungura header sailed over the cross bar.

The two ended the first half horns locked at 0-0.

But 10 minutes into second half, Malawi shocked Stars with an Essau Kanyenda opener.

Jimmy Zakazaka gave a brilliant in swing floating cross that Kanyenda converted into the nets, breathing new life into the match.

However, Stars continued tormenting Malawi with brilliant attempts by Godfrey Bonny and Nizar Khalfan.

Coach Marcio Maximo replaced Emmanuel Gabriel with Daniel Mrwanda, whose impact was instantly felt on the field. Malawi's Chiukepo Sowoya released a blockbuster after 64 minutes that beat Stars goalie Mapunda only to be saved by woodwork.

Ten minutes before time, centre back Salum Swedi scored the all-important equaliser after releasing a power-packed shot that left Malawian custodian Valence Kamzere flat-footed.

Towards the end of the match, Swedi attempted to capitalise on a goalmouth melee that left Malawi defenders in a disarray.

Stars mounted pressure on the visitors' goal as Khalfan's shot hit the cross bar before bouncing back into play five minutes to regulation time.

Valence Kamzere, James Sangara, Jacob Ngwila, Wisdom Ndlovu/Leski Tamtam, Ivis Kafoteka, Hellings Mwakasungura, Tawonga Chimodzi/Chiukepo Sowoya, Noel Mkandawire, Moses Chavula, Essau Kanyenda, Jimmy Zakazaka.

Tanzania:

Ivo Mapunda, Fred Mbuna, Amir Maftah, Nadir Haroub, Salum Swedi, Geofrey Bonny, Henry Joseph, Athuman Idd/Kigi Makasi, Emmanuel Gabriel/Daniel Mrwanda, Mrisho Ngasa, Nizar Khalfan.