MALAWI'S Flames on Saturday made the nation proud when they beat Chad 2-0 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre to qualify for the second round of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

Here is a Flames player by player rating compiled by Sam Banda Jnr.

Simplex Nthala – Goalkeeper Rating 9

Simplex Nthala continues to impress in goals for the Flames and just as he did in the game against Nigeria, he was composed and very alert. He kept the Flames in the game when it looked like Chad would score including producing a brilliant save in the second half from Chad's Kevin Nacaise volley.

Limbikani Mzava – Right back Rating 6

This is one of the youthful players who have proved that he can take over from the old guards such as Elvis Kafoteka who used to command his position. He is maturing with every passing game. He however, slackened a bit during the Chad game. Chad used his side to break through especially in the first stages of the game.

James Sangala – Defender Rating 6

He is popularly known as 'Shareholder' because of his versatility in defence. He continued from where he left off during the Nigeria game, kept Chad's tall strikers at bay and never gave them a chance. He alongside his defence partners has to improve on movement to fully support the midfield as they were sitting too deep. .

Foster Namwera – Defender Rating 6

This is another defender who has brought competition to the Flames defence. Although drafted into the national team very late he has proved he deserves a place. He was however, jittery in the first half and was caught napping on one occasion before being shown a yellow card. He too needs to time his movements as he sits too deep but with more game time he is another asset in defence for Flames.

Moses Chavula – Skipper and left back Rating 6

Despite not finding more game time at Amazulu in South Africa who have let him go, Chavula is still at the peak as shown in the two games against Nigeria and Chad. He has provided crosses in the left frank in the absence of a left winger. In the first half their combination with Joseph Kamwendo was not that effective but it improved in the second half.

John Banda – star winger Rating 9

What a way to announce his presence in the Flames squad. He is maturing and getting the much needed experience. In the Nigeria game he rescued the Flames from the jaws of defeat with an injury time equalizer and he was at it again during the Chad game opening the score sheet in the first half. He troubled the Chad defence and was eager for goals judging from his first shot which went wide early in the game. Unfortunately he got injured. .

Chimango Kaira – midfielder Rating 6

Another hardworking local player who has graduated into the national team. He produced the much needed tackles, won balls in midfield and coordinated well with partner Dave Banda. He still lacks experience but with more games he will pick up. In the Nigeria game he made dangerous runs but in the Chad game he seemed to be reserved.

Dave Banda – midfielder Rating 6

He is now a commander in midfield; he tackles, dribbles and also released powerful shots. He, however, seems to be hurrying in taking shots of late thereby blasting them. He needs to be composed when taking shots, his movement with partner Chimango Kaira at times also looked disjointed and lacked discipline. He needs to mentor his partner the basics in midfield as he is an experienced player.

Joseph Kamwendo – midfielder Rating 7

He is skilled, a dribbler and has vision in passing. He has been on top of the game including the Nigeria match. However, he started badly during the Chad game, as a match maker he failed to provide the necessary balls to the strikers and was guilty of misplacing passes. He missed a penalty but this did not put him out of the game, he improved in the second half before scoring the crucial second goal from afar. He needs to be serious and bring fun when things are indeed okay.

Robin Ngalande – striker Rating 6

The Spain based player has been applauded by the fans for his skill. He has been playing as a winger in the previous games but this time he was a frontrunner. He is fast on the ball looking at his passes. With his height, he had problems as Chad defenders were all tall. He however, at times managed to get the balls in the 18 yard box but failed to shoot at goal. He needs to learn to shoot at goal as a striker. He seems to be in love with lifting the ball which is not healthy. He did not finish the game as he got injured.

Jimmy Zakazaka – striker

He was drafted into the team in the absence of other strikers Atusaye Nyondo and Russel Mwafulirwa who were injured. This was his chance to show he is equally good but he failed to do that. His short height did not help matters as he failed to compete with tall Chad defenders. He lacked pace as a striker and never gave defenders a threat. He was simply out of the game and could have been substituted earlier. Rating 4.

Peter Pindani – winger Rating 5

A local player who tested his first international game after being ignored for a longtime. With Malawi still lacking wingers, the country is looking forward to his talent. He came in as a substitute in the second half. He showed some flashes of brilliance on the ball but with inexperience, he lacked composure.

Frank Banda – midfielder Rating 5

He came in as a second half substitute and played upfront. He brought some life in the game. He has pace, dribbles and shots but unfortunately he came in late.

Chiukepo Msowoya – striker Rating 5

Another second half substitute, who came in to add firepower upfront. He could have scored after being fed a brilliant ball by Joseph Kamwendo unfortunately he was offside. He has lost pace and to work hard to recover the shape fans used to know him for.