By Mabvuto Kambuwe in Durban, South Africa:
Malawi Beach Soccer National Team have a date with destiny as they date Seychelles in their last Group A match at the ongoing Cosafa Beach Soccer Championship at South Beach Arena in Durban, South Africa.
This is a must win match for Malawi to book a place in the semi-finals of this year’s competition. Heading into the match, Malawi are at bottom of Group A with three points behind the other teams on goal difference after a 5-1 embarrassing defeat to Saudi Arabia in their second game on Monday.
The team defeated hosts South Africa 4-2 in the official opening match of the competition on Sunday.
But coach Willy Kumilambe is optimistic that his troops will be on top of their game against Seychelles.
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“This is an important match for every team but we need to do well. We are the drivers of our own fate. The players know what is at stake and I believe they will play to win the match,” Kumilambe said.
However, Seychelles are no longer pushovers at this stage having defeated Saudi Arabia 3-1 in their opening match on Sunday.
Although they lost 3-2 to hosts South Africa on Monday, Seychelles showed they have assembled a good team.
They do not have individual brilliance but they play as a team and have endurance.
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Surely, the match between Malawi and Seychelles this morning promises fireworks.
Kumilambe is likely to make some changes to the team that started against Saudi Arabia.
Probably, Kumilambe has done a lot of homework after his players were guilty of missing clear cut chances against Saudi Arabia.
They were also exposed in defence and the goalkeeper needs to improve against Seychelles for them to get a positive result.
Captain Isaac Kajamu has promised to die for the nation.
“The stakes are high in this match and we cannot afford to lose. We want to qualify for the semi-finals,” Kajamu said.
Kajamu alongside Sandram Saddie Usi, Dala Simba and Justine Bonongwe are potential match winners.
In another Group A clash, leaders Saudi Arabia will meet South Africa later in the day. Winners in today’s match will go through to the semi-finals. Two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
