Mayele Malango’s first international goal sealed a historic 1-0 victory for Malawi over Lesotho on Tuesday afternoon in Bloemfontein, ending a frustrating 16 year winless run against Likuena at Toyota Stadium.
His decisive strike finally broke a jinx that had lingered since 2009, the last time the Flames defeated Lesotho with the same 1 0 scoreline. With the team under pressure to deliver after Saturday’s goalless draw, the win could not have come at a more crucial time.
Before Tuesday’s triumph, Malawi’s recent record against Lesotho was difficult reading with four defeats and four draws in their previous eight encounters. The psychological weight of that run made this breakthrough even more significant.
Facing defensive injuries, head coach Kalisto Pasuwa made bold tactical adjustments, switching to a back three setup with Charles Petro, Blessings Mpokera and Nixon Nyasulu shielding goalkeeper William Thole, who was making his ninth start under Pasuwa.
Blessings Singini, Lloyd Aaron and Maxwell Paipi controlled midfield, while Chikumbutso Salima and Robert Saizi operated as attacking wing backs. Up front, Babatunde Adepoju partnered with Malango in a twin striker approach.
Malawi began with purpose and intensity, immediately pushing Lesotho back and earning two early corner kicks. The breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute when Malango pounced from close range after a well worked combination involving Babatunde and Aaron.
The Flames nearly doubled their advantage just before the break when Salima produced a dazzling solo run, weaving past defenders before crossing into the box, but Malango fired over the bar.
Both teams resumed the second half with intent, Malawi looking to seal the result and Lesotho pushing for an equaliser. Despite the increased tempo, neither side found the net after the interval.
Pasuwa made changes in the 69th minute, bringing on Lloyd Njaliwa and Macdonald Lameck for Malango and Salima. Babatunde later came close with a powerful long range effort that flashed wide. In the closing stages, Gabadinho Mhango and Lanjesi Nkhoma were introduced as the Flames held firm to secure the victory.
Speaking after the match, Pasuwa praised the team’s discipline and mental resolve.
“Very happy, but with football, it is a win today and tomorrow you start cracking your head again. As coaches we must stay strong.”
He applauded his players for breaking Lesotho’s pressing structure, an area that troubled Malawi in Saturday’s draw.
“This time we managed to escape the press where we struggled previously. We had more possession in defense, midfield and attack.”
Addressing the psychological impact of ending a long standing drought, Pasuwa added:
“Lesotho is a team we had not beaten in 16 years. The players understood the need to raise their tempo. Today, our midfielders did well connecting from the first line to the last line. That made the difference.”
The Flames’ victory not only ends a long standing hoodoo but also boosts confidence ahead of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
