Flames seek to burn the Pharaohs

Malawi will chase a key win in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers when they welcome Egypt to the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on the afternoon of Tuesday.

Kick-off is at 3pm CAT.

The teams met at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Friday night, with the Pharaohs claiming a 2-0 win over the Flames thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush.

The North Africans put in a dominant display and could have scored more goals, but they eased off the throttle in the second half and cruised to victory, conserving some energy ahead of their trip to Southern Africa for the return clash.

The result saw Egypt rise to the top of Group D on six points, where they are level with Guinea. Malawi and Ethiopia have three points apiece in third and fourth. The Syli National beat the Walia Ibex 2-0 in their match on Friday and will meet for a return game in Rabat on Monday night.

After a win in his first competitive match in charge of Egypt, coach Rui Vitoria wants to see his charges refocus for the clash in Lilongwe.

“[The return game] is very important and difficult for us. We are working well and preparing ourselves for the game as it won’t be easy, but we will try to collect all three points,” said the Portuguese tactician.

“The spirit of the group is wonderful, and so is the level of training. There is not a single minute delay, and when asking for something, the players do it, the commitment is very, very high, which makes me feel comfortable.”

He added, “We got many chances to score in the match, and we should have scored more and take advantage of our chances in front of goal. We had high possession of the ball in both halves and this is the identity I want to build for the Egyptian team.”

Malawi coach Mario Marinica, meanwhile, is hopeful of a better performance from his team on home soil, as they look to bring themselves back into contention for a second successive appearance at the Afcon finals.

“Egypt is a big force but I think we gave them too much respect,” noted the Romanian. “We didn’t keep to our game plan in the first half. We had planned to put pressure on them but we only did this in the second half.

“Egypt was the better team and a team with quality players like them, if you give them time and space they will punish you.”