The Malawi National football team, the Flames, had a night to forget when they faced continental football powerhouse, Egypt away in Cairo in a qualifier for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
The Champion Senior Reporter, Christopher Jimu followed the proceedings on Satellite Television and he now rates each player out of 10.
Charles Thom
It is fair to say the Malawi goalkeeper was not offered enough protection by his backline and he was not to blame for the first goal but could have done better for the second. Overall did not look as convincing as he was when he was one of the stars of the team at AFCON in Cameroon last year.
Rating: 3 out of 10.
Charles Petro
It was a bad day at the office for Petro who was nonexistent, particularly in the first half when most of the damage was done. Mo Salah glided past him with ease, no wonder the Liverpool man was involved in both goals Egypt scored.
Rating: 3 out of 10.
Gomezgani Chirwa
Worked hard as usual but with the team in free fall his efforts counted for nothing. His partnership with Chaziya improved in the second half but damage by then had already been done.
Rating: 4 out of 10.
Lawrence Chaziya
Just as his central defensive partner Gomezgani, he tried to diffuse the Pharaohs pressure but the assignment on the day was just too enormous with Egyptian attackers in an uncompromising mood.
Rating: 4 Out of 10
Micium Mhone
Was deployed on the right as a zipper. Found the role confusing and showed that defending is not part of his DNA. Both goals exposed his defending inefficiencies.
Rating: 4 out of 10.
Fransisco Madinga
Failed to stamp their authority on the game. Chastening night for the otherwise promising midfielder
Rating: 4 Out of 10.
Chikoti Chirwa
Looked lethargic and lacking in match fitness. The fact that his defenders resorted to long balls did not help matters and he and his central midfield partner, John CJ Banda were forced to chase shadows.
Rating: 4 Out of 10.
John CJ Banda
Huffed and puffed but for all his industriousness found the going torturous. Cannot be faulted for effort but the game needed more than just effort.
Rating: 4 Out of 10.
Frank Gabbadinho Mhango/captain
Spent much of the night chasing lost causes. Had an improved second half but failed to test the Egyptian keeper the entire match as Malawi registered zero shots on target.
Rating: 4 Out of 10.
Khuda Muyaba
Like Gaba, Khuda too chased shadows all night. Not much to write home about.
Rating: 4 Out of 10.
Substitutes
Stain Davie
Came in for Khuda. Tried his best to change the complexion of the game. missed from a close range but his work rate could not be questioned.
Made a case for consideration from the start in the return match.
Rating: 5 Out of 10
Peter Banda
Replaced Francisco Madinga and before he could stamp his authority on the game Injured his collar bone. He did not show enough but showed flashes of brilliance.
Rating: 4 out of 10
Yamikani chester
Mr 'busy' as Chester is known was indeed busy. His introduction coincided with the time Malawi at least played some football. Was able to take on defenders but the final ball was the biggest let down. Staked his claim for a starting place.
Rating: 5 Out of 10.
Coach Mario Marnica
Got his tactics wrong. The Flames gave the Egyptians too much respect and were the architect of their downfall. The team had no purpose, no drive, no ambition and above all no fighting spirit. Marinica's fast and fast football may have worked in the past but on this occasion nothing worked.
Rating: 3 out of 10