Malawi Upsets Host South Africa 4-2 at COSAFA Beach Soccer
Malawi will also face Seychelles in Group A play as they aim to "take this championship home," according to Kumilambe.
DURBAN, South Africa-- Malawi's beach soccer team kicked off the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championships with a 4-2 upset victory over host South Africa on Sunday at the South Beach Arena, writes Happy Valirani.
Dala Simba put Malawi ahead 10 minutes into the first period before South Africa equalized in the second period and took a 2-1 lead thanks to an own goal by Sandram Usi.
But Isaac Kajamu, named man of the match, scored twice to give Malawi a 3-2 advantage in the final period, and Usi added a fourth goal to seal the 4-2 win.
"The game was very tough considering that we were playing against the hosts (South Africa), there was too much tension among the boys. But I am very happy that we have won the game," said Malawi head coach Willy Kumilambe.
"We are going to hold on to the three points we have collected and we are looking forward to our next game."
Kumilambe acknowledged the challenge of facing Saudi Arabia on Monday, saying, "Saudi Arabia is very tough and it's going to be a tough game because Saudi Arabia has very competitive leagues in their country and this is where the best players in the world of beach soccer are playing."
"They have professionals who play in Brazil, Portugal among other countries," he added.
"But as a team we will do our best and we are ready for them."
Malawi will also face Seychelles in Group A play as they aim to "take this championship home," according to Kumilambe.