.……South Africa 5-0 Malawi
By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Amajita of South Africa under 20 national football team on Friday, 27th September 2024 exposed Malawi’s low quality and development of the sport in the region.
Amajita outclassed junior flames and shamed them by a 5-0 margin in the group C opening encounter at the on-going TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations | Cosafa Qualifier in Maputo, Mozambique.
The United States-based striker, Adiel Kaduya, was fortunate to have the only chance for Malawi, but the striker rattled the upright in the 7th minute into the half.
However, Shakeel April for the Amajita opened his account at the tournament in the 37th minute after a blunder by the goalkeeper, Innocent Kamwambi and his defence.
He scored the second goal before the close of the half again capitalizing on the goalkeeping hauler.
South Africa claimed a 2-goal advantage at the break, leaving the Junior Flames with a huge task to do in the remaining period of the game.
Despite resuming while 2-0 down, Bob Mpinganjira’s coached side never showed any interest in scoring as they failed to coordinate well in the midfield as well and lacked creativity.
Junior flames also lacked transition when attacking with their wings dead hence giving the opponents room to enjoy and expose our inferiority and lack of quality in the squad.
Just 3 minutes into the second half, Ashene extended South Africa’s lead.
Bob Mpinganjira made few changes to refill the magazine as Mwisho Mhango and Blessings Kanowa paved a way for Benison Makawa and Masambiro Kalua.
He also substituted injured Hermas Masinja for Mark Kwalira and Madalitso Safuli replaced Francis Malikebu.
Despite the change, South Africa continued enjoying the lion’s share of the possession as Malawi was always second on the ball and failed to complete some passes.
Kutiwano Letlhaku added salt to Malawi’s wounds in the 69th minute as he scored the fourth goal again with defence lapses for the Junior Flames.
Mbekezele Mbokazi added the ice onto the cake for the Amajita in the 75th minute to make it 5-0.
The loss to Malawi means they have to win all their remaining two games in Group C against Lesotho and Comoros Island for them to qualify in the semifinals aofthe tournament.
South Africa are leading the group with three points and second placed are Comoros Island who were 1-0 winners over Lesotho, Malawi anchor the group.
In a post match interview, Bob Mpinganjira acknowledged the team didn’t play their usual game and conceded silly mistakes through the School boy mistakes.
“As i said in the first half we didn’t play well but in the second half played well and created chances which we failed to convert into goals i am upbeat that if we utilize these chances in our next game we will win”, said Mpinganjira.
Next match in group C for Malawi is against Comoros Island on Sunday, 29th September 2024 as South Africa take on Lesotho from.15:00 hours.
Zambia also lost 3-1 to Angola in group B. Only top team from each group advances to the semifinals along with best placed runner-up with the two finalists qualifying to the continental finals that are due to be played next year in South Africa.
So, far five matches have been played at the competition and 21 goals have been scored, South Africa has registered biggest victory 5-0. While Mozambique and Eswatini match recorded most goals, 9.
