Malawi outclasses DR Congo 2-1 in World Cup/CAN qualifier

The Flames, Malawi’s football team, came from a goal at halftime to outclass the Simbas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 2-1 in a fiercely contested 2010 FIFA World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played before a capacity crowd of 60,000 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Saturday.

The victory dance started right at the stadium as Sports Minister Vuwa Kaunda literally jumped up and down, hugging his fellow ministers who came to witness the Malawi demolition of the visitors on the artificial turf of the legendary Kamuzu Stadium in the heart of the commercial city.

The celebrations spilled to outside the stadium and finally to the entire country as cars, trucks, bicycles and pedestrians hooted horns and sang in praise of the victors.

And yet an hour earlier, Malawi appeared to have lost the game when the Congolese and UK-based star forward Loman Lua Lua scored after only 17minutes in the first half of the match.

Soon after the score the visitors settled down to an easy game, instead of working harder to consolidate the lead. They only needed a draw to advance to the next stage of the qualifiers. It is a work plan they will live to regret for years to come

But Malawi, realising what was at stake and that anything less than a victory would mean doomsday, fought hardest in the second half, putting pressure on the retreating Simbas.

The Malawians’ efforts paid off when they equalised through Russell Mwafulirwa who quickly took a pass from Essau Kanyenda after 50 minutes and shook the net with a ground ball that left the DRC goalie helpless.

The entire stadium lit and from then on the Flames knew they had the chance to beat the feared visitors.

And the point of Malawi’s victory came when Chukepo Msowoya tapped in rebound after goal melee to make it 2-1 for the much relieved hosts in the 81st minute.

Malawi Coach Kinna Phiri said what his charges wanted was a win on their home ground and this wish has now been fulfilled.

"We are very happy that the game has been won right here at the home ground. This shows that Malawi has qualified for the second round of the tournaments," he said.

He said the players had played better in the second half than in the first half. They showed more composure, coordination and confidence among the players themselves, unlike in the first half.

Malawi leads Group 12 with 12 points alongside Egypt (12), DRC (9) and Djibouti (0).