In a triumphant display of skill and determination, the Malawi Under-20 National Football Team yesterday clinched victory in the Four Nations Tournament, defeating Kenya 3-1 at Silver Stadium in Lilongwe.
This win serves as a gratifying redemption for the junior Flames, following the humbling defeat suffered by their senior counterparts against Harambee Stars on Saturday.
The Flames had endured a challenging loss of 4-0 in the senior tournament’s semi-finals. Coach Bob Mpinganjira emphasized that defeat was never an option for his team, showcasing their unwavering resolve on the field.
“When Malawi seniors lost to Kenya, we were bitter. It was very painful. We didn’t want to lose as well,” he said.
The junior Flames have won the tournament with a clean record, having also gotten the better of Zimbabwe in the opening match.
Mpinganjira said the match against Kenya, who are 2023 CECAFA Cup runners-up, was a tough one.
He said: “We were playing with an experienced side. I am glad that my boys put up a gallant fight and we have won this tournament.”
Emmanuel Saviel, Chifuniro Kamenya and Madalitso Safuli were on target for the Malawi while Stars juniors scored their consolation through Dalphane Ezekiah.
Savieli netted the opener in the 36th minute before Kamenya doubled the lead in first-half added on time.
Ezekiah reduced the deficit in the 64th minute but Safuli added another one for Malawi in added on time.
“It was a very good game. We did a very good job. We scored two quick goals.
“But we only trained for two weeks and the boys’ fitness level was not good.
“No wonder we collapsed around 60 minutes and they pulled one back.
“But we made some substitutions and we managed to score the third goal.”
Mpinganjira said the tournament had helped a lot to keep the team active and thanked FAM for organising the competition.
He said: “The team has played two games against Zimbabwe and Kenya which are very good teams. Usually, we rely on Cosafa tournaments. This was good.”
