Adzisiya

'They'll leave' (the goals behind), literally. We all screamed it through the streets of Blantyre, everyone wearing bright red, tearing out of the stadium by all exits. Tonight will be a celebration for the ages as Congo returns empty-handed, having failed to qualify for the world cup and even the African cup which they played so well in two years ago with an impressive fourth place. Instead, one of the smallest and poorest countries in Africa played their hearts out and won a well-deserved spot into the next round of qualifications. 'Malawi Moto' they are called here on the street, and the Flames played amazing today (at least in the second half) defeating Congo 2-1.

Tickets went on sale for the match two days before the last of 6 first round qualifiers. Malawi stood at three wins, two losses--the same as Congo. Egypt had secured the top spot again with only one loss (surprisingly to Malawi earlier in the qualifiers), therefore the two teams were battling for the highly coveted second spot which could have a chance for advancing if theings worked themselves out right in the other groups. I was actually encouraged to buy from some Malawian friends as ticket prices are consistently too high for the bulk of the population to buy and turnout is often low (though today was standing room only).

Like so many other countries (excepting perhaps our beloved US of A), when the team plays the country comes to a grinding halt. Even early on saturday mini buses cruised the streets with the red, green, and black of malawi's flag streaming out the windows. Everyone wore red, careful not to be caught with even a hint of blue. Today was to be the biggest match of Malawi's short 50 year history as the team has never been in a position to move beyond the first round of qualifiers. The excitement was certainly in the air, as my disgruntled self was awaken at 6:30 by the horns of excited cars and minibuses.

Our procession left off at 1 for a 3 o'clock kick-off. Red truck--extended cab, shortened bed--took close to 15 in the back alone as we started off for kamuzu stadium. Loud speaker led the chants-- 'Ma-la-wi Mo-to,' 'Chitetzo yao-bwa' chorusing through the streets, walkers chiming in as we passed by. Smiles all around, and the energy was phenomenal. The azungu in the back drew some curiosity, but then again when hasn't a foreigner anywhere in this country. I was doing my very best to follow along.

Having played a bit in the past, I can say that the environment in the stadium was at the very least daunting for the opposition. It was a sea of flowing red, drums beating in rhythm, thousands chanting together in support of their country. Malawi has played well in these qualifiers so hope was overflowing. Congo was a defeatable opponent. Malawi was defeated 1-0 in the last match in Congo on a PK in which the malawian goal-keeper saved twice, but called back on moving to soon, the third time was a charm (corruption??).

3 o'clock passed as I watched some interesting pre-game drama unfold. It turned out that one of the dressed congolese warming up on the field was actually a witch doctor in disguise. I was clued in by some friends and sure enough, his back-pack was the source for strange potions and powders. As he neared the corner flags and goal he was dispersing the bags contents, much to the dismay of keen Malawian observers. Slowly the rumble grew to a roar as fans began to realize what was happening. Within seconds the Malawian army was on the field, escorting the doctor off the pitch. Sporadic fights erupted between coaches, players, security in the ensuing moments, but in the end, thankfully four doctors of their own returned to spray down the goals and corner flags and leaving a little something of their own. Look up juju magic sometime online--interesting stuff.

By 3:30 we were underway, and Malawi looked flat. Unable to hold the middle of the field, they faced wave after wave of Congolese attack through the midfield, to the wings, and back inside for the attempted finish. It was one too many and by the 25th minute the congolese phenomenon Lua Lua put on in the back of the net with a spectacular strike from 25 meters. Things became very quiet, many dismayed to see what was starting to seem another 4 years of disappointment.

But something changed in the second half. Malawi was against the wind, yet their vigor in the attack was simply amazing. It took only twelve minutes to get one on a cross from the right corner flag, and the nation erupted. As play progressed I remember feeling as though the question was no longer if they would win, but by how much. Wave after wave of Flames attack out of the midfield were forcing great saves by the congolese keeper, but alas, with 10 minutes left a header off the near post was followed with a clean strike--GOAL!!! Pure bliss for so many as it was clear Malawi had done it, the 3rd of 4 seeds in their bracket with so little expectation had beaten two giants, and countrymen and women were ecstatic. Rumors had been circulating streetside beforehand of a necessary 3-0 win by malawi by all the analysts to ensure survival, but the spectacular win had erased any misgivings on the future. They had done it, and did it with such wonderful play (really, I was impressed at their play-- GO FLAMES)

With the last whistle fans stormed the field, the gates, in a euphorium beating even that of Egypt's win in the semi-final which I saw in Cairo. Security brought Congo's bus onto the field to escort them out of the country, and the Flames boarded the back of a truck. Thousands ran alongside and they proceeded from kamuzu all the way downtown, closing down streets on the 5 km journey. What a celebration, what a day for this country that left even me with chills with the final whistle. Made me so happy for this deserving country no matter what the future brings. GO FLAMES!!