Malawi count on second-leg home advantage to beat Ghana for 2013 Nations Cup spot

Published on: 07 July 2012

Malawi will be counting on second-leg home advantage to defeat Ghana to qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Understandably, with the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying round draw pitting the Flames against the Black Stars, there is no love lost between the two opponents.

Malawi legend Jack Chamangwana has tipped the scales in favour of the Flames to pull a shocker against the Black Stars.

The Black Stars will host the first leg before travelling to Blantyre for the return encounter to decide who will qualify for the competition.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) technical director Chamangwana saying playing the second leg away from home gives them the advantage of qualifying.

“When you reach this stage you obviously meet the best and when you beat the best, you know you are the best,” the man who, also doubles as Football Association of Malawi (FAM) technical director said.

Chamangwana, who served as Chiefs captain and coach in the last 1980s, said his was not sheer patriotism but has a clear insight of Ghana having been part of the Flames panel in 0-0 draw with the Black Stars in Swaziland in 2010.

“We have a good chance of qualifying for the Nations Cup even more considering that we will start playing away. It is an advantage; we just need to defend well away then finish the job at home.”

He added: “I am in now way underrating them. I have watched them play at the Nations Cup and World Cup, their biggest advantage is that the bulk of their players turn out for top European teams and they have been together for sometime.”

If there is any relationship between Ghana and Malawi football, then it is ironic.

If the Black Stars talk of their biggest win, then it was 12-0 whitewash of the Flames who in turn have that 1962 result as their worst.

Chamangwana believes for the Flames to do well, sound preparations would be a must.

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