Two first half goals in a space of four minutes from Mbwana Samata and Thomas Ulimwengu, who ply their professional trade in DRC, proved decisive.

The goals coming after Malawi started with by giving false hopes dampened the players’ spirits as the hosts who commanded and outplayed Malawi in every department could have scored more.

Goalkeeper Simplex Nthala recalled after two years did not help new coach Ernest Mtawali’s cause.

Nthala gifted Tanzania the second goal in the 23rd minute by fumbling a harmless cross in the path of Thomas Ulimwengu for an easy tap into the roof of the net leaving captain Limbikani Mzava visibly seething with rage.

The first goal scored in the 19th minute also through a defensive blunder could have been avoided if the goalkeeper as the last man in the line of defence had given enough cover after the defence was torn apart.

Apart from the goalkeeper the team also played as an average side with nobody to carry the team on his shoulders as a marksman when it mattered most.

The disjointed performance was evident in the team’s lack of coordination between the midfield and the striking force.

Leading striker Chawangwa Kaonga and Robin Ngalande failed to combine well and it was not surprising that they failed to make serious goal attempts.

Ngalande had one while midfielder John Banda attempted at goal once but all the effort yielded to nothing.

The result has put Mtawali and his charges under pressure as they seek to upset the tables in the second leg on Sunday at Kamuzu Stadium.