The Malawi Under-17 national team came from behind to secure their second Group B win of the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations | COSAFA Qualifiers, played at Hearts Stadium in Harare.
Head Coach Enos Chatama says Malawi’s victory over Zambia on Saturday afternoon was built on tactical discipline and the players’ resilience.
“We won it tactically but Zambia were very good. They came with the heart to win knowing they had no point,” said Chatama.
“At half time, I told the boys to be awake, not to switch off in defence, and that if we failed to get another goal, then we had to completely protect the 2–1 lead.”
How the Match Unfolded
Zambia drew first blood in the 20th minute through Albert Kunda. But Malawi quickly responded 10 minutes later when James Lumbe fired in a screamer after being set up by Shabani Daudi.
The Junior Flames maintained momentum, with Lumbe proving a constant threat. His attacking run earned Malawi a penalty, which he converted to complete his brace and give Malawi the lead before halftime.
In the second half, Malawi made tactical adjustments: Eli Randles came in for Faizal Phiri in the 54th minute, while Luka Ligomeka replaced the injured Joel Maziya in the 74th. The young Flames held firm until the final whistle.
Group Standings
The victory means Malawi remain second in Group B with six points, level with leaders South Africa but behind only on goal difference. The final group match between the two sides will decide who tops the group.
Zambia and Madagascar, who are both yet to register a point, are now out of contention.
LINE UP : Jacob Banda, Hastings makwenda,Francis alphazema,Joel Maziya(Luka Ligomeka 74′),Tadala Mughogho , Moffat Mnyontho,Shabani Daudi,James Lumbe, Okester Kanyenda ,Joel yakobe, Faizal phiri(Eli Randles 54′)
Unused subs
(Opex Kantuwanje ,Owen kamwiyo,Vincent Thomson ,Chisomo Mdoka,Gerald phiri,Zaithwa wedson)
