Nkhata inspires Zimbabwe to win
Kaizer Chiefs’ striker Kingston Nkhatha carried his form to country in steering Zimbabwe’s Warriors to a 4-1 walloping of hosts Malawi’s Flames on Wednesday afternoon.
Nkhata created three goals and netted once in the international strength-building match played at the Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre, to dent home coach Young Chimodzi’s debut.
The Warriors, who featured five Premier Soccer League stars, led 1-0 at half time after dreadlocked midfielder Peter Moyo swept the ball past Malawi goalkeeper Simplex Nthala at the near post on 20 minutes.
Nkhata was the creator in chief as he floated a throw-in into the box, the ball was laid back to the Kaizer Chiefs striker who sent it back to Moyo to silence some 15 000 home fans.
The Flames came back strongly from the break with an equaliser in the 50th minute but the celebrations soon died down.
University of Pretoria striker Atusaye Nyondo arrived at the near post to glance his header into the net, thereby doing justice to Chimango Kaira’s mazy run and a delightful cross on the left.
But winger Kudakwashe Mahachi put back the Warriors in the lead four minutes later when he connected Nkhata’s ball, forcing Chimodzi to substitute Nthala for Charles Swini who ended up letting in two more goals.
Nkhata emerged in the picture again when he initiated a counter attack with a long ball that set clear substitute Pasca Manhanga to give the Warriors a cushion goal in the 71st minute.
Hopes of a Flames comeback vanished as Nkhata tapped in from close range after getting on to the end of Mahachi’s crosss from the right in the 740th minute. SuperSport.com
Malawi squad: Simplex Nthala (Charles Swini), Harry Nyirenda, Pilirani Zonda (George Nyirenda), Lucky Malata, Moses Chavula, Joseph Kamwendo, John Banda, Young Chimodzi Junior (Ishmael Thindwa), Chimango Kaira, Atusaye Nyondo, Zicco Mkanda (Green Harawa).
Zimbabwe squad: Washington Arubi, Hardlife Zvirekwi (Ronald Pfumbidzai), Carrington Nyadombo, Erick Chipeta, Milton Ncube, Danny Phiri (Pasca Manhanga), Willard Katsande, Peter Moyo (Ali Saidi), Knowledge Musona (Gift Belo), Kingstone Nkhata, Kudakwashe Mahachi.
