U-23 face uphill battle

The Malawi Under-23 National Football Team yesterday suffered an agonising 0-1 home loss to Eswatini in the first leg of the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

The defeat means the team must beat Eswatini in the second leg away at Somhlolo National Stadium on October 6 by at least a two-goal margin to progress.

In a post-match interview, Malawi Under-23 head coach Bob Mpinganjira said it was unfortunate that they lost the game despite their dominance.

Mhango (front) challenged by

Eswatini’s Kunene Mfundo. | Courtesy of FAM

But he said he was confident of turning the tables in the away second leg.

Said Mpinganjira: “It’s not over yet. We will go back to the drawing board to rectify our mistakes and come back stronger in the second leg. We still have a chance to qualify for the next stage.

“It was a good game on our side as we started well in the first half. we made things difficult for ourselves when we failed to score from the numerous chances we created. in the second half, we conceded an avoidable goal. That’swhat happens in football. If you don’t score, you get punished.”

In yesterday’s match, Malawi Under-23 dominated play but they were caught off-guard by Eswatini’s late strike as Vilakati Sibonelo arrowed home from just outside the box in the 73rd minute.

From the first whistle, Malawi enjoyed possession and created numerous chances, but failed to convert any into a goal as their opponents played a waiting game to stab late in the game.

Malawi’s attacker Mwisho Mhango twice came close to scoring within a space of 10 minutes in the first half. in the 20th minute, Levison Munyenyembe’s cornerkick landed into his path but his shot bounced off an Eswatini defender. in the 28th minute, Eswatini conceded a free-kick just outside the box but Mhango’s attempt was parried away by the goalkeeper Xolani Zithole.

In the 83rd minute, Malawi’s closest chance was wasted when Oscar Petro headed wide.

Eswatini assistant coach Musa Manyatsi said they won becaiuse they were well-preapared.

The aggregate winner of the two-legged tie will advance to face Algeria in the second round.

This is the second time in seven years that the Malawi Under-23 is taking part in the Afcom qualifier, which also serves as qualifier for the 2028 Olympic Games.

They last competed in the continental showpiece in 2019 when they lost 1-0 to Zambia in the first round.

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