Malawi’s TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification campaign has suffered a setback after going down 1-0 to the Syli Nationale at the General Lansana Conté Stadium in Conakry.

Loss of concentration returned to haunt the Flames who conceded in the 91st minute after managing to hold the West Africans in regulation time.

Liverpool star Naby Keita capitalised on the Flames loss of concertation to fire home the winner following a blunder at the back.

Flames head of technician panel Mario Marinica trusted the same first XI that delivered last Sunday when Malawi beat Ethiopia 2-1 at Bingu National Stadium in his 4-3-3 formation.

Charles Thom started in goals with Dennis Chembezi, Lawrence Chaziya, Stanley Sanudi and Gomezgani Chirwa in defence.

The Romanian tactician entrusted Chimwemwe Idana, John CJ Banda and Gerald Phiri in midfield while the attacking trio of Gabadinho Mhango, Khuda Myaba and Stein Davie were thrown upfront.

But unlike in the last match when this approach worked, this time the Flames struggled and created only two scoring opportunities against the star-studded West Africans.

The first half ended goalless and Marinica tried to make some changes having earlier lost injured Gerald Phiri Jnr who was replaced by Charles Petro.

Marinica also brought in midfielder Micium Mhone to replace Myaba and right back Alick Lungu in place of Sanudi while Yamikani Chester later came in for Davie.

At some point it seemed as if the two sides would share spoils as the Flames managed to keep the hosts at bay.

However, the Flames were caught napping at the most important minute just after regulation time and the Liverpool midfielder fired past Thom.

The result means all the four Group D teams are tied at three points apiece.

Ethiopia, who stunned Egypt 2-0 through Dawa Dukele and Shemeles Bekele’s first half goals at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, lead the table on goal aggregate having scored two and conceded two as well against Malawi.

Ethiopia, who stunned Egypt 2-0 through Dawa Dukele and Shemeles Bekele’s first half goals at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, lead the table on goal aggregate having scored two and conceded two as well against Malawi.

The Flames are now second while Guinea are third. The Pharaohs anchor the table at positon four.

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