Malawi Flames Snatch 1-0 Vital Win Over Chipolopolo in COSAFA Cup Opener
Malawi's national football team, the Flames, defeated Zambia, 1-0, in their opening match of the 2023 COSAFA Cup on Thursday, July 6, 2023. The match was played at King Zwelithini Stadium
DURBAN, South Africa - The Malawi senior men's national team claimed an important 1-0 victory over Zambia in their opening Group B match of the 2023 COSAFA Cup tournament on Thursday, writes Happy Valirani.
A defensive error gifted the Flames the only goal of the match after 16 minutes, as Zambian defender Aaron Katebe inadvertently headed the ball into his net while attempting to clear a dangerous Stanley Sanudi corner kick.
Malawi's midfield dominated for large spells, keeping possession and building attacks that stretched the defending champions.
However, the Flames could only convert one of the many chances they created.
The resolute Malawian defence, marshalled by Alick Lungu, Nickson Mwase, Dennis Chembezi, and Sanudi, frustrated the Chipolopolo attackers for 90 minutes, with goalkeeper Brighton Munthali making key saves.
Interim coach Patrick Mabedi praised his players' execution, saying, "We needed to beat the champions to boost our confidence."
However, he acknowledged weaknesses to address before facing the Seychelles on Sunday.
"I told my boys that we needed to win the match so that we could dedicate the win to the Independence Day celebrations, and the boys just did the same," said the Flames interim coach.
"We did not give our opponents time to play, and we kept the ball away from them. I am glad that the boys executed the plan."
Alick Lungu was named Man of the Match for his defensive display that helped the Flames claim three valuable points and move level on points with Group B leaders the Comoros, who beat Seychelles 3-0.
This hard-fought victory over top seed Zambia has given Malawi's COSAFA Cup aspirations a shot in the arm.
But Mabedi knows the journey is long, and his improving squad must build on this performance.
Malawi vs. Zambia - this rivalry is only beginning at COSAFA 2023.