The Malawi Under-20 Men’s National Football Team needs a point to wing into the semi-finals of the Under-20 Cosafa Men’s Championship when they face hosts Namibia this afternoon at Dr Have Geingob Stadium in Windhoek.
For the past 14 years, Malawi has failed to make it past the group stages, but in an interview yesterday, Malawi’s ever upbeat coach Millias Pofera Jegwe declared that they will break the jinx.
Malawi, who top Group A, are tied at four points with second-placed Angola while Namibia, who beat table anchors Zimbabwe 3-2 on Sunday, are third with three points.
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Jegwe said they are not in a cold sweat ahead of today’s showdown.
He said: “Yes, it’s been 14 years since we last qualified for the semis, but everything has its own time and I believe whatever happens tomorrow [today], we will sail through.
“Malawians should have faith in this team. They are determined and I believe they will deliver.”
On facing the hosts, who will be buoyed by their win over the Young Warriors, the coach said: “We know they will come hard on us and as a home team, they will enjoy vocal support.
“But they [fans]can come in their hundreds or thousands, but they won’t be on the pitch. It will be 11 versus 11.”
Jegwe said they have been working on lapse in concentration, having twice given away leads.
“We are working on the psychological aspect as well as endurance for them to be able to last the distance,” he said.
Germany-bound wonderkid Mwisho Mhango, who has scored all the three goals for Malawi and was named player-of-the-match in both games against Zimbabwe and Angola, carries Malawi’s expectations.
The 17-year-old Ascent Academy starlet has been a marvel to watch with his magical skills that have lit up the tournament.
Kondwani Tebulo, Misheck Billiat and Madalitso Safuli are some of Malawi’s arsenal for the decisive showdown.
On the other hand, Namibia coach Jerimi Zimmer said they are set for the battle.
He said: “The win against Zimbabwe was our motivation for the match against Malawi.
“We have told the boys that as hosts, we can’t go out now,. Everyone is looking forward to us. There was a lot of pressure after losing the first game, but now we are confident.”
Namibia lost their first game to Angola 0-1 while Malawi beat Zimbabwe 2-1 before playing out a one-all draw against the Angolans.
Meanwhile, Malawi Under-20 Women’s National Football Team faces Zimbabwe in a must-win fixture at University of Namibia Stadium this afternoon if they are to have realistic chances of making the top four.
Malawi have a point from two matches following a goalless draw against the hosts and a 1-0 loss to Botswana, who have already qualified, after winning their first two matches.
Malawi coach Linda Kasenda said in an interview yesterday that they have not flown the white flag.
She said: “We are still in contention and I am optimistic that we will do well.
“We have been playing well, but our challenge has been scoring, but I am confident that there will be an improvement tomorrow [today].”
The tournaments are part of the delayed 2024 African Union Sports Council Region 5 Games.
