The Flames added the icing on the cake for Malawi's 48 Independence Celebration when they defeated the reigning Africa Champions Zambia's Chipolopolo 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium.

The Sunday Times followed the international friendly match and assessed how the Malawi national football team players faired.

Goalkeeper—Charles Swine

Appeared jittery in the first half but managed to make two fine saves early in the second half to keep a clean sheet.

Rating- Good.

Right back—Steve Chagoma

Brilliantly covered the right flank but rarely overlapped. Struggled at the start of the second half after Zambia introduced

Mwenya Kasongo. The right back recovered well and managed to contain the menacing forward. Rating- Good

Left back—Bongani Kaipa

The technical panel's decision to feature him as a left back nearly cost the Flames the game. He is a good defender when he operates either as right back or central defender. However, on Friday he failed to cope with the rhythm of the game.

He was replaced at half time. Rating-Average

Centre half—Foster Namwera

The Mighty Wanderers defender has finally established himself as one of the strongest defenders in the country. He was rock solid and made crucial interceptions to deny Zambia chances to score. Rating-Very good

Centre half—Pilirani Makupe

He was equally impressive and supported the midfield to close the gaps which appeared after the central midfielders had

moved upfront. He also read Zambia moves in time before intercepting crucial balls in the 18-yard box. Rating- Very good

Right winger—John Banda

He did not display his usual attacking football. In most cases he played back passes.

He also retreated in time to assist Chagoma. Rating-Good

Defending midfielder-Chimango Kayira

Naturally plays as an attacking midfielder but he was deployed to play in front of the defenders. At times he orchestrated moves but his role denied him the chance to get near the opponents' box. Rating-Good

Attacking midfielder—Joseph Kamwendo

Malawi's star performer. Started the game at central midfield but he was shifted to the left flank at the start of the second half.

He was at the hub of Malawi's best moves.

His vision and accuracy saw him delivering cross that left the stadium puzzled and confused opponents. He scored the game's only goal. Rating- Excellent

Left winger—Ndaziona Chatsalira

He had a quiet first half. He could cover Kaipa at times when the defender appeared to be in trouble. In the second half he replaced Kaipa as a left back and managed to close the highway which Zambia had established at the flank. Rating-Good

Striker—Green Harawa

He was the first Flames player to try to shoot at the goal in the first half. He made a series of runs and troubled Chipolopolo's defence at will. At times he delayed to pass the ball and settled for bad options when other players

were in good positions. He was replaced by Nafe Msasa.

Striker—Frank Banda

The utility player started the game as a twin striker and twice had the best chances for the Flames late in the first half. Zambia goalie Joshua Titima denied him a goal in one against one situation. In the second half he moved to the central midfield. Rating- Good

Subs

Striker—Gabadinho Mhango

He replaced Kaipa at the start of second half and partnered Harawa upfront. His introduction changed the complexion of the game. Zambian defenders struggled to contain him. He set up Flames' only goal. He could have scored but his shot missed the crossbar by few inches. Rating-Very good

Midfielder—Nafe Misasa

Replaced Harawa towards the end of the match. He strengthened the weary midfield and also started moves which could have resulted into goals. He was lively despite being on the pitch for few minutes. Rating-

Good