Malawi coach Mario Marinica was once again at his philosophical best after a 1-1 home draw with Mozambique on Saturday, saying pressure does not exist in football.
He said this in a post-match interview after the Flames came from behind to settle for the draw with Mozambique in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) final qualifying round, first leg match at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The former Black Leopards mentor described pressure as a mere state of mind one chooses to put themselves under.
“There is no pressure. I don’t believe in pressure. Pressure does not exist. Pressure is a state of mind that you put yourself under,” he said.
Marinica was responding to a question on whether he substituted former Orlando Pirates striker Chiukepo Msowoya by public demand.
“The supporters are entitled to make their opinion. For example, Chiukepo Msowoya was not substituted because of the fans. It was part of the plan,” he said.
Ahead of the game, Marinica was also philosophical when asked to rate their chances of winning the game, telling the home fans not to have any expectations as expectations leads to disappointment.
Marinica said they would go into the second leg on September 4 2022 with the sole purpose of qualifying for the CHAN finals.
“Unfortunately, we managed only to draw. I think it was a very tough game. Mozambique is a very good team but we managed to stop them from playing their football. Unfortunately, we missed many chances. We hope to take them in the return match,” the Flames coach said.
On Saturday, Malawi scored through winger Yamikani Chester in the 21st minute to cancel out Nerson Divrassone’s eighth minute opener for the visitors.
