The Malawi national football team, the Flames, staged a dramatic second-half comeback to earn a 2–2 draw against Liberia in a thrilling FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Bingu National Stadium on Monday evening.
Desperately needing a win to boost their chances in Group H of the CAF qualification campaign, Malawi fell two goals behind before rallying with strikes from Gabadinho Mhango and Chawanangwa Kaonga to secure a vital point.
The atmosphere was electric in Lilongwe ahead of kickoff, with both teams still in the hunt for a place at the 2026 World Cup. Tunisia topped the group with 22 points, followed by Namibia on 12, while Liberia and Equatorial Guinea had 10 points apiece, with Malawi close behind on nine. Victory would have lifted the Flames above Liberia and potentially Equatorial Guinea.
Malawi’s hopes were dented early when Liberia’s Ayouba Kosiah stunned the home crowd just two minutes in with a spectacular bicycle kick.
The Flames responded with intent, creating several chances before halftime. Charles Petro and Mhango both went close, while Wisdom Mpinganjira forced a fine save, but Malawi trailed 1–0 at the break.
Liberia doubled their advantage in the 61st minute, again through Kosiah, who capitalised on poor defending from a long throw-in after goalkeeper William Thole failed to clear.
Staring at a two-goal deficit, Malawi showed remarkable resilience. In the 71st minute, Mhango headed home at the far post to make it 2–1, and just eight minutes later he turned provider, cutting through the Liberian defence to set up Kaonga for the equaliser.
The Flames pressed for a winner in the closing stages, but Liberia held firm to share the spoils.
After the match, Flames head coach Kalisto Pasuwa praised his team’s character but admitted defensive lapses proved costly.
“It was a game we believed we could win, but early complacency cost us. The two goals we conceded came from basic mistakes — a set piece and a long throw-in. At this level, you can’t afford such lapses.”
While commending his players’ determination, Pasuwa highlighted the need for improvement in defending set pieces.
“We must improve defending set-pieces. But I applaud the boys for not giving up. They kept fighting and could’ve even won it late on.”
He also acknowledged Liberia’s physical and direct approach, which disrupted Malawi’s rhythm, especially in midfield and defence.
The result moves Malawi to 10 points, level with Equatorial Guinea but above them in fourth place on goal difference, and just one point behind third-placed Liberia.
With two matches remaining, the Flames’ qualification hopes remain alive, but the margins for error are slimmer than ever.
