Malawi win U-20 tourney

The Malawi Under-20 national football team yesterday beat their Kenyan counterparts 3-1 to lift the Under-20  Four Nations Cup at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.

It was a perfect consolation for the Junior Flames following their seniors’ 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Harambee Stars the previous day at Bingu National Stadium also in the capital city.

Emmanuel Savieli, Chifuniro Kamenya and Madalitso Safuli were on target for the hosts who turned the stadium into a theatre of celebrations after the final whistle.

This was the second match for the Junior Flames who also beat Zimbabwe 3-2 in their first match. Kenya also beat Zimbabwe 2-1 to set up the decider.

Malawi finished the tournament with six points, Kenya had three while Zimbabwe secured no point.

Just like the seniors’ tournament, the Under-20 competition was initially supposed to have four teams, but Zambia pulled out at the eleventh hour.

Savieli opened the score sheet for Malawi in the 36th minute. He capitalised on a goal melee in the box after Kenyan defenders failed to clear the ball in the box.

Ten minutes later, Kamenya  doubled the Junior Flames’ lead after being set up by Savieli.

Kenya hit one back in the 64th minute through Ezekia Dalphene in rather bizarre circumstances.

Junior Flames goalkeeper Amos Sande left his territory  to avert danger  and Kenya’s Junior Masinza, who was lurking nearby, played the ball back into the box and Dalphene did the rest to perfection with a simple tap-in.

The goal revitalised the visitors who went on rampage pressurising the home team with waves of attacks.

They nearly levelled the scores in the 82nd minute, but Sande left his lines to make a timely block with his leg, denying  Ownour Syphas a chance to equalise in a one-on-one situation.

The Kenyans didn’t let up the pressure and they again came close through Stanley Omondi, who after beating  Kondwani Tebulo, let out a thunderous shot which narrowly  missed the target.

A minute later, Dalphene missed another chance when he headed straight into the palms of Sande in a one-on-one situation.

But Madalitso Safuli ensured victory in added time with a powerful shot that shook the right corner of the net, giving Kenyan goalkeeper Emuria Issa no chance.

It was victory guaranteed as stadium erupted in joy.

Junior Flames coach Bob Mpinganjira hailed his charges for their fighting spirit.

He said: “It was a tough match, we were up against an experienced side, but I am happy that the boys gave their all and we have come out triumphant.

“I also thank the authorities for including an Under-20 tournament because apart from the Cosafa Under-20 Championship, it is rare to play in such tournaments.”