Tunisia 2–2 Malawi: Flames Ignite In Comeback Draw In 2012 AFCON Qualifier

A combative ten man Malawi side managed an impressive comeback draw against Tunisia in the 2012 African Nations Cup qualifiers thanks to a Chiukepo Mosowoya goal in the first half and an Elvis Kafoteka penalty in the second.

Tunisia quickly had an opportunity when Zouhaier Dhaouadi ran down the left wing and attempted a cross to Issam Jemaa but the ball was intercepted by Swadik Sanudi. The hosts were once again on the attack in the 5^th minute when Fahid Ben Khalfallah found the Lens striker in the box but the ensuing shot was a weak one that didn’t trouble the ‘keeper.

Malawi responded shortly thereafter but had a goal taken away as it was preceded by an offside. Sensing the danger, the Tunisians upped the tempo and should have opened the scoring in the 9^th minute but Jemaa hit the post after some good work by Sami Allagui.

In the 12^th minute Jemaa, who looked to be offside, atoned for his earlier miss by getting on the end of a cross by Ben Khalfallah. His fellow Ligue 1 representative made no mistake from close range. After conceding the goal, Malawi pressed more effectively in order to not give the North Africans time on the ball.

Despite their new strategy, a mistake in midfield led to a quick counter attack that was created by Dhaouadi who dribbled past two players and made his way into the penalty area where he crossed to Allagui who had his shot blocked. However, the rebound was pursued by Jemaa who headed the ball into the net for his second goal of the match.

Malawi then came close to pulling one back but Esau Kanyenda’s header was expertly parried by goalkeeper Hamdi Kasraoui. In the 35^th minute, Allagui could have added a third for the Carthage Eagles but his goal was preceded by a foul in the box.

As the first half was coming to a close the Flames had Hellings Mwakasungula sent off for a second bookable offense before reducing the deficit through a blistering long distance Chiukepo Mosowoya goal that Kasraoui could not clear.

Jemaa should have had a hat trick in the 53^rd but his header went wide despite being well positioned to score. Allagui also came close to nabbing the insurance goal when he hit the crossbar in the 60^th minute.

Despite being down to ten men, Malawi battled hard to stay in the match and had opportunities to score, choosing to test Kasraoui from long distance on more than one occasion. The visiting side were rewarded for their never say die attitude when Haggui fouled a Flames striker in the penalty area and subsequently tied the game up at 2-2.

The result is a great one for Kinnah Phiri’s side which leaves them trailing Tunisia by one point. Tunisia will have to collect points in the reverse fixture should they hope to qualify for AFCON 2012.

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