The Malawi National Football Team wrapped up their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign on a disappointing note, falling 1-0 to São Tomé and Príncipe — a result that handed the island nation their first victory of the qualifiers.
The decisive moment came in the 62nd minute when Flames defender Gomezgani Chirwa brought down a São Tomé attacker inside the box, leading to a penalty. Ronaldo Alfonso stepped up and converted from the spot, sending goalkeeper George Chikooka the wrong way to give the hosts a narrow but crucial lead.
Head Coach Kalisto Pasuwa had introduced Chirwa for McDonald Lameck early in the second half to add pace and width on the flanks. However, the substitution proved costly as the defender’s mistimed challenge resulted in the match-winning penalty.
Malawi controlled much of the game but once again struggled with creativity and precision in the attacking third. Forwards Babatunde Adepoju and Richard Mbulu found it difficult to penetrate a compact São Tomé defence that relied on physicality and aerial dominance to neutralize Malawi’s advances.
In midfield, the trio of Yankho Singo, Lloyd Njaliwa, and Lloyd Aaron failed to unlock the hosts’ deep defensive block. The Flames’ patient build-up play often broke down before reaching dangerous areas, and by halftime, they had managed only two shots on target.
São Tomé, who had conceded six goals against Tunisia in their previous fixture, were more disciplined this time — content to defend deep, frustrate the visitors, and launch occasional counterattacks.
Pasuwa made several substitutions in the second half, introducing Mayele Malango, Robert Saizi, Lanjesi Nkhoma, and Blessings Singini in search of an equalizer. Despite their fresh energy, the Flames were unable to break through as São Tomé defended resolutely and managed the game effectively in the final stages through calculated time-wasting and disciplined organization.
Speaking after the match, Coach Pasuwa expressed disappointment with his team’s approach and effort.
“I already warned against complacency before this match. If you saw the way we played today, our opponents wanted it more than us. They sat deep — nine at the back — and kept hitting route-one balls. We struggled to find a way through,” said Pasuwa.
“Our tactics were fine and we had the right personnel, but at times we over-stretched play instead of exploiting spaces in between the lines.”
The defeat saw Malawi finish fourth in Group H with 13 points, behind Tunisia, Namibia, and Liberia.
Tunisia topped the group to advance to the next round of the FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers.
Starting XI: George Chikooka, McDonald Lameck(’46 Gomezgani Chirwa), Charles Petro, Dennis Chembezi, Alick Lungu, Yankho Singo( ’77 Robert Saizi)Lloyd Njaliwa(’67 Blessings Singini)Lloyd Aaron, Chawanangwa kaonga ( ’67 Lanjesi Nkhoma), Babatunde Adepoju
Richard Mbulu(’67 Malango Mayere)
Unused Subs
William Thole, Joshua Waka, Maxwell Paipi, Emmanuel Nyirenda, Nickson Nyasulu, Wisdom Mpinganjira
