Full Time
Malawi 1 (Webster Mzunda 52′) -5 South Africa (Thato Sibiya 31′, Siyabonga Mabena 46′ 86′ 90+4, Dhakier Lee 74
Malawi U17 Boys team on Friday night failed to utilise home ground advantage to book a place in the 2023 TotalEnergies U17 Afcon following a 5-1 defeat against South Africa in the competition’s COSAFA Qualifier semifinal played at the Bingu National Stadium.
The Junior Flames went into the battle with full home crowd support knowing they were a step closer to their first Afcon qualification in 13 years only for the boys to leave it up to the visitors.
South Africa’s Thato Sibiya scored the only goal in the first half with a shot from outside the box.
Siyabonga Mabena doubled the lead just a minute into the second half but Malawi’s Webster Mzunda pulled one back just a minute after being introduced.
Communication breakdown at the back of Malawi found Dhakier Lee alone with goalkeeper and he made no mistake to score the third goal for the Amajimbos.
South Africa won a penalty at 86 minutes as goalkeeper Julius Banda fouled Thabo Tsilo and was expelled .
Mabena scored from the spot to make it 4-1 before he claimed a hat trick in additional time making it 5-1 for South Africa at full time.
Coach Msakakuona was disappointed to miss the Afcon qualification.
“Its sad to lose at home in the semis. We were geared for the game and the boys have been preparing for the game in the past four days but failed to utilise chances.
“We couldn’t show the hunger for goals and unfortunately our colleagues played their cards well and defeated us.” he said.
Malawi will face Botswana in the match for third place while South Africa date Zambia in the final on Sunday
Lineup: Julius Banda(Expelled 85″), Hermas Masinja, Charles Matanda, Misheck Billiat (Shabir Muhammad 85′), Washali Jaziya, Mwisho Mhango, Vincent Harrison (Webster Mzunda 51′), Blessings Kanowa, Alias Muywanga, Lucky Mkandawire (Dominic Kayamba 51′), Modric
