The Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Namibia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at the Obert Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown, Botswana.
Malawi got off to a dream start when Richard Mbulu opened the scoring in the 5th minute. Captain Gabadinho Mhango then produced a moment of brilliance in the 53rd minute, doubling the lead with a spectacular strike from the halfway line. Namibia’s Brave Warriors pulled one back late in the 86th minute through David Ndeunyema’s header, but Malawi held firm to claim all three points.
Head Coach Kalisto Pasuwa hailed his side for a confident performance.
“It was a game that we started very well and it gave confidence to the boys. Most of the time we were trying to keep the ball away from the opponents and also trying to catch them on the break,” Pasuwa explained.
He, however, regretted missed chances that could have widened the margin.
“We missed chances. We could even score three, four, five goals,” he admitted.
Despite this, Pasuwa said the win was vital in restoring belief after recent setbacks.
“We made ourselves that we will play every game as it comes. What we wanted was to win and bring confidence into the guys as we build a team for the Africa Cup of Nations next year.”
The match also saw the debut of Mayele Malango, who was introduced in the 86th minute after recently obtaining Malawian citizenship.
“He played very well in the minutes that he came in and he could have scored. We need his presence. He is the kind of player we are looking for,” Pasuwa said.
The coach, however, was critical of refereeing decisions, particularly an incident where Deon Hotto stepped on goalkeeper William Thole, forcing his substitution.
Pasuwa also praised the passionate Malawian fans in Botswana:
“When we were told we are playing here, we even said we will have more supporters than them. People would even think we were playing at home. We had the 12th man. We thank them so much.”
The victory lifts Malawi to fourth place in Group H with 9 points from three wins against Liberia, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Namibia.
The Flames now return home to face Liberia on Monday, September 8, at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
