T

he Flames and Zimbabwe’s Warriors have stepped up groundwork in preparation for their Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group B showdown in Cameroon tomorrow.

Both teams have no point, having lost their opening matches on Monday. Malawi lost to the Syli Nationale of Guinea 1-0 while Zimbabwe lost by the same margin to Senegal’s Lionsof Teranga.

Flames midfielder Yamikani Chester in action against Guinea

Tomorrow’s showdown is, therefore, a must-win for both teams to keep their knockout stage qualification hopes on the boil.

While Flames data analyst Ged Searson ‘spied’ on the Warriors when they faced Guinea, Zimbabwe coach Norman Mapeza and his backroom staff also watched Malawi taking on Guinea.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka said Searson held a review session on Zimbabwe’s match with Flames players and technical staff on Tuesday.

He said: “They watched and analysed Zimbabwe’s strengths and weaknesses ahead of the game.

“It must be noted, however, that the data analyst and the technical panel are aware that this will be a different game and things like approach and formation could be different, but it still gives the coaches and players a hint of what to expect.”

On the other hand, having watched the Flames, the Zimbabwe gaffer Mapeza said while they had a chance to see how the Flames played against Guinea, it would be tricky to bank on what they saw, considering that several Malawian players were unavailable after testing positive for Covid-19.

“Remember they had several players who were out due to Covid-19 and they will have a re-test before our match,” he was quoted as having said by The Herald newspaper of Zimbabwe.

Mapeza added: “I think as we prepare for Malawi, we need to improve more on our creativity in the final third.”

Veteran players’ scout Ben Chiwaya said while it is commendable that the Flames are keeping a close eye on their opponents, he bemoaned interference from authorities.

He said: “The problem comes in when those in authority interfere by dictating to the coach what they want in terms of formation and who should play.

“This happens mostly when local coaches are in charge and we need to guard against that as it is unprofessional.”

Before the tournament, Flames interim coach Marian Mario Marinica said they have been studying their Group B opponents from day one alongside his backroom staff and, in particular, Searson.

“We have tried to keep a close eye on what they do,” he said.

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