Malawi Beach Soccer National Team have started this year’s Cosafa Beach Soccer Championship with a 4-2 victory over hosts South Africa at South Beach Arena in Durban, South Africa.

Goals from Isaac Kajamu ( brace), Simba Dala and Sandram Saddie Usi were enough to secure maximum points for Malawi against the hosts.

Phiwokuhle Gumede scored for South Africa while Usi netted into his own net.

The win is important for Malawi heading into the second game of the competition against guest nation Saudi Arabia tomorrow afternoon.

Coach Willy Kumilambe was pleased with the performance of the team in the opening match.

“The game was very tough because we were playing the hosts. There was too much tension among the players as they did not loosen up and we started playing in the last quarter of the game. All in all,  we have a very good team, we just need to invest in  the team,” said Kumilambe.

However, Kumilambe urged the players to guard against complacency ahead of the second match.

” Saudi Arabia are a very good team and they have a competitive league. Majority of best players in the world play in Saudi Arabia league, so it is going to be a tough match but we are prepared,” said Kumilambe.

A win for Malawi against Saudi Arabia, will  confirm progression to the semi-final of the tournament before the last Group A match against Seychelles on Wednesday.

Two teams from each group will advance to the  semi- finals of the competition.