Malawi Under-17 National Football Team gave away a 1-0 lead to draw one-all against Angola at the UJ AW Mulla Stadium in South Africa yesterday in a Group A match at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cosafa Qualifier 2024.
Malawi took the lead just three minutes after recess when they were awarded a free kick after a foul on Clifford Chisale.
Up stepped James Lumbe whose well-curled shot zoomed past a stranded Angola goalkeeper, Dalla.
But the Angolans rallied back and took the game to Malawi. Their efforts paid off when they equalised through Paulo Luvumbo in the 69th minute.
With just two minutes before full-time Lumbe came close to restoring Malawi’s lead, again from a setpiece, but this time his freeckick was well read by the Angolan ‘keeper.
The result means Angola still lead Group A with 4 points, having won their first game against Lesotho 2-1. On the other hand, Malawi drew against Mozambique 1-1. This means they have two points from two games.
As we went to bed Mozambique were facing Lesotho.
Malawi coach Enos Chatama said in a post-match interview that his boys still stand a good chance of qualifying either as the number one team in their group or the overall second best team.
“In football anything can happen, We don’t have to focus on Angola or Mozambique, but our last game against Lesotho which will determine our destiny,” he said.
On the match, Chatama said they had a good game plan.
“We went into the game with a positive mentality. We attacked relentlessly in the first half, but there was a lapse in defence and midfield where we created gaps and this gave the Angolans a chance to equalise, which is not good for our campaign,” he said.
Malawi face Lesotho tomorrow afternoon in their last group match which is a must-win to have realistic chances of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Malawi Schools Sports Association president Blackson Malamula also said despite the draw, Malawi still stand a good chance of making the last four.
He said: “Angola beat Lesotho and if we can do the same, we can sail through. So, all is lost. But I must also say that these are developmental games and we shouldn’t be losing sleep by worrying too much.
“Another thing is that if you look at how we prepare, we go there already disadvantaged. Our opponents always have thorough preparations and play in various continental and global competitions and for us to draw against them, is an achievement in itself.”
