By Mabvuto Kambuwe in Durban, South Africa:
Malawi Beach Soccer National Team will battle for bronze against Saudi Arabia at this year’s Cosafa Beach Soccer Championship after losing 9-6 to Morocco at South Beach Arena in Durban, South Africa Friday.
Saudi Arabia, who defeated Malawi in the group stages, lost to Mozambique 8-1.
However, Malawi bowed out of the Cosafa Beach Championship with dignity after a spirited performance against one of the highly ranked teams in Africa.
It was one of the best matches at this year’s tournament as both teams displayed good soccer. Malawi nearly caused an upset at the tournament but lack of experience cost them the match.
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Simba Dala opened the scoring for Malawi after two minutes before O’brien Nkhumbula doubled the lead.
Morocco pulled a goal back in the sixth minute. However, Isaac Kajamu restored Malawi’s two-goal cushion before Sandram Saddie Usi increased the lead.
At some point, Malawi led 4-1 but the team switched off in the second period and allowed Morocco to come back into the match as the two teams were tied at 4-4 after the second period.
In the third period, Malawi lost the plot and played under pressure.
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Morocco took the lead for the first time in the match. But an own goal pulled Malawi level before Morocco scored two quick goals to put the match beyond Malawi’s reach.
Kajamu gave the fans false hopes of a comeback but an own goal from Martin Biliati ended Malawi’s dream.
Morocco hit the last nail in Malawi’s coffin in stoppage time.
Despite the loss, coach Willy Kumilambe was impressed with the fighting spirit of the players.
“We matched them in many departments but we lost concentration a bit. We will go home with our heads held high. The performance of the players was really good,” Kumilambe said.
The loss to Morocco was Malawi’s second at the tournament after they lost 5-1 to another guest team Saudi Arabia.
Again, the team has failed to beat Morocco for the second time after they lost 7-3 during the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Mozambique.
