Saudi Arabia Routs Malawi 5-1 at COSAFA Beach Soccer Event
Seychelles, which has yet to get a victory, faces Malawi in the final group stage matches.
DURBAN, South Africa — Saudi Arabia overpowered Malawi 5-1 in a lopsided match Monday at the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championships in Durban, handing the Malawians their first loss of the tournament, writes Happy Valirani.
After a scoreless first period, Malawi took a brief 1-0 lead in the second when Sandram Usi scored in the 15th minute.
But Saudi Arabia responded with two quick goals in the 17th minute to go up 2-1.
The Saudis then added two more goals before the end of the second period to take a 4-1 advantage into the final period.
They tacked on another in the third to complete the 5-1 rout.
"I'm very disappointed because the goal margin is not respectable. This loss is very painful because all the goals our opponents scored came from our silly mistakes," said Malawi coach Willy Kumilambe.
"The boys thought they had already won before they played, not knowing it wasn't going to be easy."
Malawi captain Isaac Jamu had several chances in the third period as his team pressed for an equalizer, but couldn't convert.
In the other Group A game, South Africa beat Seychelles 3-2.
Saudi Arabia tops the group with wins over Seychelles and Malawi.
Seychelles, which has yet to get a victory, faces Malawi in the final group stage matches.