Africa-Press – Malawi. Malawi Men’s Under-20 National Football Team stormed into the semifinals of the ongoing African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games after eliminating hosts Namibia 2-0 at Hage Geingob in Windhoek Tuesday.
The junior Flames topped Group A on goal difference, having tied at seven points each with Angola.
Namibia finished third while Zimbabwe anchored the group.
Malawi will know their semifinal opponents today when Group B matches would be completed.
The group consists of leaders South Africa, second-placed Zambia, third-placed Botswana and fourth-placed eSwatini.
After a barren first half, the junior Flames showed no mercy with two second half goals to seal their path to the last four.
Lameck Mithi, who was deservedly named man-of-the match, gave the junior Flames the lead in the 80th minute before late substitute Clifford Chisale sealed the victory five minutes into added time.
Malawi Under-20 Coach Millias Pofera Jegwe applauded his charges for putting up a spirited performance.
“I have been encouraging the team to play as a unit. Even though we came with 17 players, unlike most of our counterparts who have 20, I challenged the players to aim for victory to make history. We have come here to win the trophy,” Jegwe said.
The junior Flames beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in their opening match before drawing one-all with Angola.
Meanwhile, Malawi Women’s National Football Team has been booted out of the Region 5 Games after losing to Zimbabwe 6-3 at the University of Namibia in Windhoek yesterday.
During the game, Faluna Umali scored a goal while Victoria Mkwala scored a brace for the junior Scorchers.
Zimbabwe scored through Ntokozo Mpofu, Privilege Mashanda, Plaxina Bandason, Merian Genti (a goal each) and Alicia Chinyoka [two goals].
The junior Scorchers have exited the tournament without any win having lost to Botswana 1-0 and drawn against the hosts— Namibia 0-0.
Malawi Women’s Under-20 Coach Linda Kasenda attributed the loss to lack of commitment by her players.
“I would not say our group was tough, no. We failed to do the needful. We failed to mark and we also failed to pass the ball though we improved in the second half but it was too little too late,” Kasenda said.
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