The Malawi Flames boosted their chances of advancing to the next round of the 2025 African Nations Championship qualifiers by defeating Comoros 2-0 at Bingu National Stadium last Saturday. Despite playing on home soil, the Flames acted as visitors since Comoros selected this venue after their stadiums failed the Confederation of African Football inspection. Goals from Binwell Katinji and Zebron Kalima secured an important victory for Malawi, putting them ahead before the return match happening at the same location this coming Saturday.
Malawi needs just a tie during the second meeting to move forward in the competition. Both teams competed evenly throughout the match, with Comoros controlling early play as the designated home squad. Captain Maxwell Paipi led the Malawi defense alongside Nickson Mwase, Alick Lungu, and Macdonald Lameck to withstand initial pressure from their opponents. The Flames created their first serious opportunity at minute 24 when Wisdom Mpinganjira tested Comoros goalkeeper Youssouf Djawadi.
Katinji broke through just before halftime, heading Lameck's cross into the net during minute 44. Malawi maintained their momentum after the break, continuing to search for additional scoring chances. Both teams made strategic substitutions around the hour mark, with Comoros bringing Souleman Mohammed and Fadhula Botomanga into play. The Flames responded by sending Kalima onto the field to replace Kondowe, which proved decisive when Kalima scored from close range during the final minute.
Coach Kalisto Pasuwa expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, calling the result motivational for his players. Comoros coach Mickidache acknowledged the quality of the Malawi squad and admitted his team faces slim chances of advancing. The winner between these nations will meet either South Africa or Egypt in the next qualifying phase. Those two countries played to a 1-1 draw at Free State Stadium on Sunday evening, leaving their matchup equally balanced heading into their second contest.
Malawi needs just a tie during the second meeting to move forward in the competition. Both teams competed evenly throughout the match, with Comoros controlling early play as the designated home squad. Captain Maxwell Paipi led the Malawi defense alongside Nickson Mwase, Alick Lungu, and Macdonald Lameck to withstand initial pressure from their opponents. The Flames created their first serious opportunity at minute 24 when Wisdom Mpinganjira tested Comoros goalkeeper Youssouf Djawadi.
Katinji broke through just before halftime, heading Lameck's cross into the net during minute 44. Malawi maintained their momentum after the break, continuing to search for additional scoring chances. Both teams made strategic substitutions around the hour mark, with Comoros bringing Souleman Mohammed and Fadhula Botomanga into play. The Flames responded by sending Kalima onto the field to replace Kondowe, which proved decisive when Kalima scored from close range during the final minute.
Coach Kalisto Pasuwa expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, calling the result motivational for his players. Comoros coach Mickidache acknowledged the quality of the Malawi squad and admitted his team faces slim chances of advancing. The winner between these nations will meet either South Africa or Egypt in the next qualifying phase. Those two countries played to a 1-1 draw at Free State Stadium on Sunday evening, leaving their matchup equally balanced heading into their second contest.
