At long last! Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, booked a spot in the semi-finals of the 2023 Hollywoodbets Cosafa Cup for the first time in 20 years following a 2-0 win over Comoros at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, Tuesday.
It was a master-class performance from the Flames as they secured top spot in Group B with nine points from three matches, three above second- placed Zambia, who defeated Seychelles 4-2 in another match at Princess Magogo Stadium.
Malawi joined Lesotho, who also qualified for the last four from Group C with six points from two matches.
The semifinals will be played on Friday, with the final scheduled for Sunday.
The Flames have made a statement of intent at this year’s tournament as they maintained their unbeaten record with a clean sheet in three matches.
So far, the Flames have scored five goals in this year’s tournament.
Surely, the Flames have joined a rare breed of teams that played three group stage matches without a loss in Cosafa Cup history.
Enjoying massive support from the fans in Durban, Chawanangwa Kaonga scored the opener from the penalty spot after Patrick Mwaungulu was fouled in the box by a Comoros player.
Kaonga stepped up and made no mistake as he sent Comoros goalkeeper Said Ansoya Ayad the wrong way at the half-hour mark.
Mwangulu turned scorer in the 38th minute from a Chimwemwe Idana rebound.
Flames interim coach Patrick Mabedi made one change to the side that beat Zambia 1-0 and Seychelles 2-0 in the opening matches by naming Mwaungulu in the starting line-up ahead of Robert Saizi.
Mwaungulu was deservedly named player of the match after contributing an assist and scoring a goal.
The Flames led 2-0 at the break and held on until the end of the match.
Towards the end of the match, Christopher Kumwembe paved way for Gaddie Chirwa.
Frank Willard and Chifundo Mphasi were introduced for Mwaungulu and Kaonga, respectively, before Idana paved the way for Blessings Singini.
Mabedi was pleased with the performance of the players.
“The players were disciplined throughout the game. We also defended well. I am happy that we are in the semi-finals,” Mabedi said.
Comoros coach Abdoul Karim Mohamed Bouhari said his side learnt valuable lessons.
“There are several lessons from the tournament. Congratulations to Malawi. They play individual football,” Bouhari said.
Flames will meet Lesotho in the semi-finals on Friday while Zambia, who progressed from Group B as the overall best runners-up, will meet the hosts, South Africa.
