The ghost of the three minutes haunts Malawi.. Pasuwa warns his players against repeating the Angola scenario against Salah and company

13.11.26 14:00 AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt

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Malawi

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Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa is determined to avoid a repeat of the disastrous opening minutes that contributed to his team's 3-1 defeat against Angola when the Flames face Egypt in Friday's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Cairo.

The warning comes from Malawi's previous match on 6 October when Angola winger Felício Milson scored after just three minutes, forcing the visitors to abandon their intended approach.

But the most revealing detail is how Malawi reacted.

According to the Football Association of Malawi, Pasuwa admitted that his players showed their opponents too much respect before retreating defensively following the opening goal.

"After conceding, we sat at the back" the Zimbabwean coach explained.

That reaction, rather than the early goal alone, is what Pasuwa is now determined to prevent against Mohamed Salah's Egypt.

Read Also: Where to watch Egypt vs Malawi today: TV channels and live streaming details

How Angola punished Malawi's slow start

Milson opened the scoring in the third minute after meeting Junior Sambu's cross, before Mabululu doubled Angola's advantage in the 38th.

Malawi reduced the deficit through Kialonda Gaspar's own goal shortly before half time but substitute Miro restored Angola's two-goal cushion in the second half.

The defeat, previously covered in Foot Africa's Matchday 2 results, left Malawi third in Group B with three points, one behind Egypt and Angola.

For Pasuwa, the concern was that conceding early allowed Angola to dictate the game while Malawi struggled to recover their intended attacking balance.

An early arrival in Cairo.. Malawi's response to the warning

Malawi have taken a different approach to their preparations for Egypt.

The squad arrived in Cairo early on Monday 9 November allowing several days to recover from travelling, adjust to local conditions and prepare tactically.

Pasuwa subsequently explained that his team had struggled with limited preparation time before the Angola encounter.

Speaking ahead of Friday's match, he stressed the need to settle quickly and maintain concentration from the opening whistle.

"We need to quickly adjust and control the game" Pasuwa told the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation.

The message carries particular significance against Egypt who begin a new era under Ali Maher and will be seeking to establish control in front of their home supporters.

An early Egyptian goal would not necessarily produce the same outcome as Angola's victory but Malawi's previous reaction provides an area the Pharaohs could seek to exploit.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations