Malawi Under-20 National Football Team Coach Bob Mpinganjira said winning the Four Nations Under-20 Tournament was their ultimate mission after their senior brothers—The Flames—suffered a humbling 4-0 defeat by Kenya at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday.
The junior Flames emerged champions after deservedly triumphing 3-1 over Kenya at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday.
Mpinganjira said he advised players to put extra effort to put a smile on the nation following Flames’ embarrassing loss.
“We were equally hurt when the senior side lost. We encouraged each other not to lose the match,” he said.
The Mighty Mukuru Wanderers legend also commended Football Association of Malawi (Fam) and other nations for including under-20 sides in the competition as, in most cases, the junior teams compete in Cosafa Youth Championship annually.
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“In most cases, we rely on Cosafa for Under-20 competitions. We have played two games against good opponents in Zimbabwe and Kenya,” Mpinganjira.
The junior Flames scored through Emmanuel Savieli, Chifuniro Kamenya and Madalitso Safuli.
In their first match, the side beat Zimbabwe 3-2.
Kenya finished second, having beaten Zimbabwe 2-1.
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The hosts amassed six points, three ahead of second-placed Kenya. Zimbabwe did not collect a point.
