The Malawi Under-17 national team kicked off their TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations | COSAFA Qualifiers. campaign in style with a 3-1 victory over Madagascar at Ngoni Mwos Stadium on Friday afternoon.
The Junior Flames settled quickly and opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Joel Maziya unleashed a thunderous long-range strike after being set up by James Lumbe.
Ten minutes later, Lumbe turned scorer, doubling Malawi’s advantage with another brilliant effort from outside the box following an exchange with Maziya. The boys went into the break comfortably leading 2–0.
After the restart, Madagascar pushed forward, but Malawi stood firm. The cushion was extended in the 70th minute when Maziya’s attempt was deflected into the net by the Malagasy goalkeeper for an own goal.
Madagascar managed a consolation in stoppage time through William, who converted from the spot after Dylane was fouled by Flames’ goalkeeper Kantuwanje. The match ended 3–1 in favour of Malawi.
The result left Malawi on top of Group B, pending the outcome of the Zambia vs. South Africa clash. James Lumbe was named Man of the Match for his decisive performance.
Speaking afterwards, Head Coach Enos Chatama praised the result but admitted he was not entirely satisfied with the display.
“The players were played out of possession to contain the Madagascar threat,” Chatama said.
“The players wasted a lot of chances. We have won, but I am not impressed with the play. We could have scored a lot more goals.”
The Junior Flames now shift their focus to their second group game against Zambia on Sunday.
LINEUP: Opex Kantuwanje, Joel Maziya, Moffat Mnyontho,Eli Rundles(Chikondi Howa 19), Joel Yakobe,Luka ligomeka(Okester Kanyenda 11),James Lumbe,Tadala Mughogho(Gerald Phiri 3), Francis Alfanzema, Faizal Mangulenje Phiri, Vincent Thomson.
Unused subs
Chikondi Mdoka
