Malawi’s Flames misfired to miss the CHAN ticket after a 0-0 draw against hosts Mozambique’s Mambas, who sealed their place at the finals on Sunday.
The Mambas booked their place at the 2023 CHAN finals in Algeria on an away goal rule following the 1-1 draw they chalked in Lilongwe last weekend.
The final qualifying round second-leg match took place at a packed Zimpeto Stadium in Maputo, where the Mambas dominated proceedings.
Malawi opted to play on the counterattack and had former Orlando Pirates striker Chiukepo Msowoya kept quiet by the Mambas.
Marinica made a number of changes to his personnel, dropping first-choice goalkeeper Charles Thom to the substitutes’ bench with Brighton Munthali getting the nod.
Striker Schumacher Kuwali partnered with Msowoya upfront as Muhamad Sulumba was dropped from the playing squad.
Malawi coach Mario Marinica had, before the match, told the Flames fans not to have expectations, saying expectations is the road to disappointment.
The former Black Leopards coach Marinica will likely be under the microscope again following the failed CHAN race.
The Romanian has won twice, lost twice and drawn thrice since being redeployed from technical director to replace local coach Meke Mwase, who steered the Flames to the 2021 AFCON finals.
Malawi did not have the best preparations for the CHAN games due to the ongoing domestic league, with players moving in and out of camp to fulfil club assignments.
The Flames had the shortest route ever to their first-ever CHAN qualification, as they did not play in the preliminary round following the suspension of their opponents, Zimbabwe.
In contrast, Mozambique played in the preliminary round, beating Zambia 1-0 on aggregate after a 0-0 draw in Maputo, followed by a 1-0 win in Lusaka.
Starting XI:
Mozambique: Ernan, Efren, Chico, Martinho, Danilo, Amadu, Shaquile, Nelson Drivassone, Joao, Melque, Isac de Carvalho.
Malawi: Brighton Munthali, Stanley Sanudi, Paul Ndlovu, Chikoti Chirwa, Micium Mhone, Chimwemwe Idana, Yamikani Chester, Kuwali, Msowoya, Gomezgani Chirwa, Miracle Gabeya
