By Williams Gondwa in Johannesburg, South Africa:
Malawi Boys Under-17 National Football Team chances of progressing in the 2024 Cosafa Championship hang in balance as the side endured another frustrating 1-1 draw against Angola at the UJ AW Muller Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on Friday.
Following the result, the junior Flames must beat Lesotho in their last group A match tomorrow, to boost their chances of reaching the semifinals. Malawi Under-17 Boys Coach Enos Chatama made two changes to the team that drew 1-1 against Mozambique on Wednesday.
Chatama opted for goalkeeper Geoffrey Gama, replacing Rashid Nikisi who manned the goalposts when Malawi came from behind to force a 1-1 draw against Mozambique on Wednesday.
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The FCB Nyasa Big Bullets reserve mentor benched Gift Chibala for Simplex Kachingwe to partner James Lumbe and Clifford Chisale up front.
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However, Chatama made a quick substitution, introducing Geoffrey Chinyama replacing Kachingwe. The junior Flames took the lead in the 49th minute through James Lumbe from a direct free kick to make it 1-0 before the break.
Angola Under-17 Coach Domingos Cristovao Da Silva reacted swiftly, substituting Densel Liyun for Jairo Muanha.
He was duly repaid as Paulo Luvumbo equalised in the 69th minute.
In the closing stages, Malawi’s quest to restore the lead suffered a setback when the referee from Botswana Joyce Seonyatseng showed defender James Msongole a red card for a second bookable offence in the 88th minute.
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Chatama said the result was not good for his boys as they have a slim chance of reaching the semifinals.
“The boys went into this match with a positive mindset to win the game but unfortunately we gave away the lead due to lack of coordination, especially in the midfield. Our chances of progressing will depend on other teams. We have to plan well for our next match on Sunday,” Chatama said.
His counterpart Da Silva said Malawi players were fast on the ball but he was impressed earning a point.
“It was a tough game as Malawi was pressing hard on us. We wanted to win this game but we have to look forward to the next match,” Da Silva said.
In another group A match, Mozambique beat Lesotho 1-0.
Currently Angola top the group with four points, followed by Mozambique with the same number of points. Junior Flames lie third with two points while Lesotho anchor the group without a point.
