Malawi qualify for Afcon Beach Soccer
Malawi has reached the 2024 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations finals despite drawing 8-8 against Burundi yesterday at Sunbird Livingstonia in Salima.
The hosts advanced courtesy of a 7-6 victory in the first leg played in Bujumbura last week.
At Sunbird Livingstonia, Malawi started strongly, to lead 2-0 in the first period through goals from Oblen Khumbula and Thoko Kamanga.
Burundi rallied back to close in on the hosts with a 7-6 lead in the end.
The visitors equalised at the start of the third period to make it 7-7 then captain Sandram Usi restored the lead a minute later. But it was not to be as Burundi again equalised in a dramatic end to the exciting game.
While applauding the players for qualifying, coach Willy Kumulambe said there is room for improvement.
He said: “We have made it through. I am happy with the results but I am not happy with the way we played. We always lead, but concede silly goals.
“We could not defend. We need to work with the defence to avoid conceding silly goals. I am happy with the midfield and I am happy with the strikers.”
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Fleetwood Haiya was pleased with the victory and pledged to reward the players.
“You could see that the opponents were good. We narrowly beat them in the first leg. Today, they came back strong and for Malawi to progress we give credit to the players. As FAM, we will honour them in a special way,” he said.
Haiya has since promised to request an audience with President Lazarus Chakwera so that the team can be appreciated for doing the nation proud.
