Malawi’s National Football Team progresses to the second round of the CHAN playoffs following a 4-0 aggregate win against Comoros, mirroring a 2-0 scoreline in both legs. Coach Kalisto Pasuwa’s tactical formation played a key role in their success. Malawi now awaits their next opponent, either South Africa or Egypt, while preparing for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Namibia.
The Malawi National Football Team has advanced to the second round of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) playoffs, triumphing over Comoros with a commanding 4-0 aggregate score across two matches at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe. After winning the first leg 2-0, the team mirrored this result in the second leg, marking a historic step towards their first CHAN finals appearance. Malawi is now poised to face either South Africa or Egypt in the upcoming round of qualifiers.
In the return match, Malawi’s head coach Kalisto Pasuwa implemented a slight modification to his lineup, substituting Wongani Lungu for Ephraim Kondowe. Employing a 4-3-3 formation, which provided enhanced midfield balance, the strategy appeared effective despite a cautious first half, where Malawi maintained dominance but failed to convert opportunities into scores.
Although Malawi had five corners and one notable shot on target from Wongani Lungu, who delivered a curling effort saved by the Comoros goalkeeper, both teams ended the first half at a stalemate with no goals scored. The second half, however, witnessed a remarkable shift in Malawi’s performance.
Only five minutes after the restart, Wongani Lungu found the back of the net following a defensive error by Comoros. Shortly thereafter, Binwell Katinji scored again, capitalizing on an expertly placed cross from MacDonald Lameck. Katinji almost added to the tally but was thwarted by an impressive save from the opponent’s goalkeeper. Notably, coach Pasuwa introduced three substitutes to invigorate the squad in pursuit of more goals.
In a thrilling finish, a close header from Ephraim Kondowe narrowly missed the target while Comoros’ Said Sadad tested Malawi’s goalkeeper with a powerful long-range shot. Post-match, Coach Pasuwa commended his players for their resolve and performance, stating, “Well done to Malawi and all of us for reaching the second round of the playoffs… in the second half, we spoke to the players, and we got the goals.”
Malawi’s attention now turns to the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, where they will play against Namibia at Bingu National Stadium on March 20.
In summary, the Malawi National Football Team has successfully advanced to the second round of the CHAN playoffs after a commanding aggregate victory over Comoros. Under Coach Kalisto Pasuwa’s leadership, the team’s tactical adjustments and second-half performance were crucial in securing their place in the next round. The focus now shifts to upcoming challenges in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, ahead of their match against Namibia.
Original Source: malawi24.com
