BLANTYIRE - Kingstone Nkatha is confident the Warriors can build on their near faultless 4-1 mauling of disoriented Malawi going into the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The in-form Kaizer Chiefs striker created three goals and hit the final nail on the Flames coffin with a goal in front of half fullKamuzu Stadium during the strength-testing match played on Wednesday afternoon.
"It was a morale boost for us as we go into the qualifiers. They gave us a good run for our win. They are a good team," Nkhata said in a post-match interview while expressing surprise at home fans' rebelling against the Flames.
"We came here to do our job and we do not mind whatever happens in the opposition camp. But I thought as a nation it is always important for supporters to support their own national team."
Midfielder Willard Katsande said patience enabled them to starve Malawi, who were without the South Africa-based trio of Robin Ngalande, Limbikani Mzava and Gabadinho Mhango, of the ball.
Flames right winger John Banda blamed their fans for overacting to the defeat, adding that the Warriors are more experienced and enjoys exposure.
"They played well more than us. They played well because they have been active rather than us. We last played last year. We have to admit that we lost to a better side on the day. We just need to draw positives from the game and move ahead."
Malawi coach Young Chimodzi also attributed the defeat in his first game in charge as a head coach to Zimbabwe's gulf in class and experience.
The two sides drew 1-1 in last May's friendly match at the same venue. "The difference in this game was that Zimbabwe had many experienced campaigners but we had some new players who lack the experience to compete at this level," said Chimodzi, who worked as a deputy to former coach Kinnah Phiri between 2007 and 2013.