Outplayed and outclassed. Malawi Under-20 National Football Team got off to a bad start at the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon)/ Cosafa Qualifier when they lost 5-0 to South Africa at ABB Stadium 2 in Maputo, Mozambique Friday.
The defeat has reduced Malawi’s chances of qualifying for the semifinals of the tournament for the first time in 13 years.
Following the defeat, the junior Flames must beat Comoros Sunday and Lesotho on Tuesday to reach the last four of the tournament.
After travelling to Maputo, Mozambique by road and arriving two days before their opener, fatigue took its toll on the boys.
They were a pale shadow of themselves for the better part of the match as they were swept aside in Group C encounter.
The junior Flames gave fans false hopes when United States of America-based striker Adiel Kaduya, hit the post twice in the first half.
Thereafter, goalkeeper Emmanuel Kamwambi made a cocktail of mistakes that led two Amajita’s two opening goals.
Cape Town City striker Shakeel April opened the scoring in the 37th minute when he capitalised on Kamwambi’s mistake with a tap in.
April completed his brace with another tap in following another blunder from the defence and goalkeeper at the dot of half time.
Amajita led 2-0 at the break.
After the break, the junior Flames had a golden opportunity to pull one back but Kaduya missed the sitter in the 48th minute and Malawi were made to rue for the miss and as they got punished when Lee Ahshene increased the lead in the 50th minute of the match.
But South Africa were not done yet. They continued to pile pressure on the junior Flames. Kutlwano Letlhaku put the game beyond Malawi’s reach after he was set up by Siyabonga Mabena.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi hammered the last nail in Junior Flames coffin.
South Africa top the group with three points above Comoros who claimed a 1-0 victory over Lesotho in their opener.
Malawi are bottom of the group ahead of their match against Comoros on Monday.
South Africa will face Lesotho in another Group C match.
After the match, Malawi under-20 Coach Bob Mpinganjira admitted that it was a bad day at the office.
“We did not play our usual game and we gave away the ball easily especially in the first half. But that is part of football. We go back and focus on the remaining two matches,” Mpinganjira said.
On his part, Amajita coach Raymond Mdaka felt the boys deserved the victory.
Malawi will wrap up the group stages match against Lesotho next week.
