By By Peter Fote in Windhoek, Namibia:
The Malawi Men’s Under-20 National Football Team will face Zambia in the semi-finals of the ongoing African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games.
This comes after Zambia finished second in Group B on goal-difference, having tied at seven points each with South Africa.
Zambia claimed a 1-0 victory over Botswana at Hage Geingob ground in Windhoek, Namibia, Wednesday whereas South Africa’s Amajita defeated eSwatini 2-0 in another match.
- Advertisement -
On the other hand, the junior Flames got their semi-final spot following a 2-0 victory over hosts Namibia on Tuesday.
- Advertisement -
Malawi finished as Group A winners on goal difference, having tied at seven points each with Angola.
South Africa’s Amajita will face Angola in another semi-final match.
Both semi-finals will be played at Unam Stadium on Friday.
South Africa will take on Angola in the first semi-finals before paving the way for Malawi and Zambia.
- Advertisement -
Winners will face each other in Sunday’s final whereas losers will battle for a bronze medal on Saturday.
Malawi coach Milias Pofera said it would be a difficult match against Zambia.
“I have watched them [play] but we are not intimidated. It is time for the boys to shine and show that they are really good. Our aim is to play and try to win,” he said.
The junior Flames will go into Friday’s semi-final match against Zambia undefeated in three matches.
Malawi started the competition with a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe before a one-all stalemate with Angola.
Meanwhile, Zambia will face Group B runners-up Botswana in the semi-finals of the Under-20 women’s competition whereas South Africa will meet hosts Namibia.
Both matches will be played at Hage Geingob Stadium on Friday.
The Malawi Women’s Under-20 side was eliminated from the tournament on Tuesday without any win. They lost 6-3 to Zimbabwe on Tuesday after they lost 1-0 to Botswana.
Malawi shared the spoils with hosts Namibia following a goal-less stalemate.
