Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, took a giant step towards qualifying for the semifinals of the 2023 Hollywoodbets Cosafa Cup following a 2-0 victory over Seychelles at King Zwelithini Stadium, Durban, South Africa Sunday.
It was the Flames’ second consecutive win in two matches at this year’s tournament.
The victory means the Flames just need a draw against Comoros to finish top of Group B and confirm their place in the last four.
The Flames have six points from two matches, three points above second-placed Comoros, who lost 2-1 to Zambia in an early kickoff at the same venue.
Malawi last qualified for the Cosafa Cup semifinal in 2003.
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The Flames will face Comoros in the last group stage match Tuesday whereas Zambia will meet Seychelles.
After a barren first half, Lanjesi Nkhoma broke the deadlock with a fine header from Chawanangwa Kaonga’s cross in the 56th minute of the match. The goal was a source of relief to the Flames.
Ten minutes later, Christopher Kumwembe scored his first competitive goal for the Flames with a tap in after Seychelles goalkeeper fumbled Nkhoma’s attempt.
Kumwembe had the ball in the net for the second time but his effort was correctly ruled out for offside.
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Kaonga was deservedly named man of the match.
In the first half, Malawi’s Kumwembe and Robert Saizi failed to find the back of the net.
Flames interim coach Patrick Mabedi maintained the lineup that beat Zambia 1-0 in the opening match of Group B at the same venue.
After the break, Mabedi introduced Patrick Mwaungulu for Saizi and the move had instant impact as the Flames attacked with purpose.
Towards the end of the match, Mabedi also introduced Chrispine Mapemba for Nkhoma, before Frank Willard came in for Kaonga.
