By Suleman Chitera
Malawi Under-20 men’s national football team kicked off their COSAFA Youth Championship campaign in style with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe at the Dr Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek on Thursday.
The Young Flames were inspired by a clinical brace from Germany-based striker Mwisho Mhango, who not only secured all three points but also walked away with the Man of the Match award.
Mhango opened the scoring in the 24th minute, latching onto a well-timed through ball from captain Misheck Billiat before coolly slotting past the Zimbabwean goalkeeper.
However, Zimbabwe’s Young Warriors regrouped after the break and found an equalizer in the 57th minute through Tadiwa Chamuchichi, who finished a swift counterattack to silence the Malawian fans.
Just when it seemed the match was heading for a draw, Mhango struck again in the 72nd minute—this time pouncing on a loose ball inside the box to hammer home the winner with a powerful close-range effort.
The result places Malawi at the summit of Group A with three points, ahead of the second fixture between hosts Namibia and Angola.
Coach Patrick Mabedi hailed the team’s determination and singled out Mhango for his leadership and sharp instincts in front of goal.
“This was the kind of start we wanted. Mhango’s performance was top-class and it lifted the entire team. Now our focus shifts to Namibia on Sunday,” said Mabedi.
Malawi will play hosts Namibia next before wrapping up their group stage matches against Angola on Tuesday, with high hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the regional youth tournament.
