2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER Malawi holds Nigeria to 1-1 draw

Keshi

 

The Flames of Malawi on Saturday held Nigeria's Super Eagles to a 1-1 draw at the Kamuzu Banda Stadium in Blantyre in a 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifying.
The Malawians made sure that they maintained their strong show at home by avoiding defeat having suffered just a loss since coach Kinnah Phiri took charge in 2008.
Nigeria fielded the same starting line-up that won 1-0 against Namibia in Calabar six days ago.
The opening 45 minutes was an almost even contest but the Flames created the better chances with Robin Ngalande hitting the crossbar once.
The teenage striker, Ngalande did prove a handful afterwards for the Nigerian back line.
Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama was also forced to make a great save at a point in the game.
Ikechukwu Uche's effort in the first half also stung the palms of Simplex Nthara in goal for Malawi.
In the restart, the Malawians looked the more likely to open score in the first five minutes and even had a penalty appeal turned down from a corner kick.
On 66 minutes midfielder Robert N'gambi had a clear sight of goal but shot wide.
Ike Uche had another chance to put Nigeria ahead but headed weakly into the hands of Nthara.
Super Eagles' head coach, Stephen Keshi decided to throw in Uche Kalu, Raheem Lawal and Ahmed Musa to add pace and guile to the attack of the West Africans.
And on 90 minutes, midfielder Gabriel Reuben headed Nigeria in front off a free kick won by Musa.
Nigeria's lead lasted for few seconds as substitute John Banda drew the Malawians on level terms inside the added minutes by squeezing his effort past Enyeama.
Keshi's team now have four points after two games and lead Group F of the Fifa World Cup qualification until Namibia play hosts to Kenya in Windhoek.