Malawi national football team, the Flames, are out of the 2025 COSAFA Cup after a narrow 1-0 loss to Angola in their final Group B match.
Following an opening defeat to Lesotho and a draw against Namibia, the Flames entered their last group stage fixture needing a win to keep their hopes alive.
Despite a spirited performance, particularly in the first half, Malawi’s inability to convert chances ultimately cost them.
Coach Kalisto Pasuwa maintained the same starting lineup that faced Namibia, and his side showed immediate intent.
The right flank, with Gaddie Chirwa and Mcdonald Lameck combining effectively, looked promising. Within the opening 10 minutes, Malawi registered two shots on target and earned two corner kicks in the first 15.
However, their profligacy in front of goal continued to plague them.
A prime opportunity arose when Gaddie Chirwa skillfully beat his marker, forcing a save from Angola’s goalkeeper.
The rebound fell to Wisdom Mpinganjira, who teed up Chawanangwa Gumbo, but his effort sailed over the bar.
Malawi’s defense, marshaled by the towering Blessings Mpokera and goalkeeper George Chikooka, remained resolute, largely untested throughout the first 45 minutes, thwarting Angola’s few set-piece attempts.
Further efforts from Chirwa and a fantastic volley from Blessings Singini were parried away by Angola’s Neblu, denying Malawi a deserved lead.
The second half began with a cruel blow for Malawi as just three minutes after the restart, Angola capitalized on their first attempt on target.
A corner kick delivery found Randy Nteka, who bundled the ball home in the 48th minute, giving Angola the lead.
Malawi’s misfortunes continued when Blessings Singini was forced off due to injury after a collision, ans was replaced by Oscar Petro.
Gaddie Chirwa also made way for Olson Kanjira in the 62nd minute as Malawi pushed for an equalizer.
Further substitutions saw Wongani Lungu and Zeliati Nkhoma come on for Chawanangwa Gumbo and Promise Kamwendo, respectively.
Despite these attacking changes and continued pressure, the Flames could not find the back of the net, allowing Angola to secure the narrow victory.
The defeat means Malawi are out of the tournament, finishing last in Group B with just one point. Angola, with seven points, have advanced to the semi-finals.
Speaking after the match, Assistant Coach Mponda acknowledged the team’s effort but lamented their inefficiency in front of goal.
“It was a good tournament, more especially we are building a new team, we are still building.
“It gives us a feeling of how it is out there, it also gave exposure to the young ones who are up-and-coming.”
However, Mponda expressed concern over the team’s ongoing struggle to convert chances.
LINE UP
George Chikooka (GK), McDonald Lameck , Blessings Mpokera, blessings singini (Olson Kanjira 62′), Wisdom Mpinganjira (C), Yankho Singo( Charles Nkhoma 80′), Gaddie Chirwa (Oscar Petro 62′), Chikumbutso Salima, Emmanuel Nyirenda, Promise Kamwendo (Zeliat Nkhoma 71′), Chawanangwa Gumbo (Wongani Lungu 71′)
UNUSED SUBS
Richard Chimbamba, Timothy Silwimba, Zeliati Nkhoma, Olson kanjira, Fanizo Mwansambo, Charles Nkhoma, Allen Chihana, Andrew Jovinala, Wongani Lungu, Oscar Petro
