Malawi stumble in beach soccer Afcon opener

Malawi Beach soccer national team yesterday made their debut Beach Soccer Afcon finals with a 4-2 loss to hosts Mozambique at the  Arena de Virankulo.

Mozambique had to come from behind twice in first and second period to level the scores before taking the lead in the last.

Malawi showed they deserved to rub shoulders with cream of the continent with some tantalising moves on the sand.

Malawi deservedly took the lead in the first half through Dala Simba, who netted the first goal of the tournament in the ninth minute with a fine finish.

But the hosts, cheered on by the home crowd, including President Filipe Nyusi , equalised through their top scorer Manuel Nelson with an overhead kick in the 12th minute.

The two sides tied 1-1 at the end of the first period.

Nelson hit the frame of the goal soon after the break as the  hosts tried to take control of the proceedings.

But Malawi restored the lead through unmarked captain Sandram Saddi in the 15th minute.

However, the hosts were back on level in the 23rd minute after a blunder at the back allowed Julio Manjate to ghost in and claim the equaliser as the second period ended 2-2.

 Mozambique went on to take the lead in the final period for the first time with a powerful long range shot from Gerson Chivale in the 26th minute.

Then in 31st minute Nelson gave Mozambique a two goal lead to collect maximum points and lead the pool.

Since group A has three teams following Nigeria’s withdrawal, Malawi will play the second and last match against Morocco on Monday.

 The winner from Group A will play runners up from Group B while winner of Group B will play Group A runners up in the semis.