World Cup Qualifying: Congolese-born Mayele sums up Malawi debut

Congolese-born striker Mayele Malango has reacted to his debut for Malawi in the 2-1 victory over Namibia in Botswana on Friday.

The United States-based player came on as a late substitute for the Flames in the World Cup qualifier for Group H.

He made his debut weeks after completing his paperwork to represent the country where he grew up after fleeing Kinshasa due to the war.

Reacting to his Flames debut, the Monterey Bay FC player took to his Facebook account to express his joy.

“Great win today, boys, and I’m super excited to have made my international debut! Thank you, God,” he said.

Mayele watched from the bench for the better of the match as coach Kalisto Pasuwa started with Gabadinho Mhango and Richard Mbulu upfront.

Mbulu and Mhango scored in either half for Malawi to hand the Brave Warriors their first defeat in seven games for the group.

Pasuwa said Mayele tried his best in the few minutes that he played in.

The coach said: “He played very well in the few minutes that he came on and he could have scored. We need his presence. We need players with experience.”

The Zimbabwean tactician also stressed the need for easing the burden of scoring on Mhango.

“Most of the time, it was Gaba who was hitting the goals. We also need to be talking to the other guys that if you hit, you can also score,” he added.

Mayele should be looking for more game-time when Malawi welcome Liberia in Lilongwe on Tuesday.

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