Zeliat Nkhoma became a national hero after scoring with a strong header just minutes before the final whistle. His goal gave Malawi a 1-0 win against South Africa at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday. The match marked the first leg of the final CHAN competition qualifiers. South African players failed to make a single shot on target during the entire game.
Wisdom Mpinganjira delivered the perfect cross that Nkhoma converted into the winning goal with only three minutes left. Earlier, Mpinganjira almost scored himself after 25 minutes but kicked straight at goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto. Alick Lungu nearly broke the deadlock at the 64-minute mark when his long-range shot forced Mpoto to tip the ball over the crossbar. Malawi pushed hard during the last 20 minutes before finally breaking through.
Coach Pasuwa noted his team struggled early but improved later. He warned players not to feel overconfident about their slim lead. South Africa coach Hugo Bross expects Malawi to play defensively in the return match. The second leg happens May 11 at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
Wisdom Mpinganjira delivered the perfect cross that Nkhoma converted into the winning goal with only three minutes left. Earlier, Mpinganjira almost scored himself after 25 minutes but kicked straight at goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto. Alick Lungu nearly broke the deadlock at the 64-minute mark when his long-range shot forced Mpoto to tip the ball over the crossbar. Malawi pushed hard during the last 20 minutes before finally breaking through.
Coach Pasuwa noted his team struggled early but improved later. He warned players not to feel overconfident about their slim lead. South Africa coach Hugo Bross expects Malawi to play defensively in the return match. The second leg happens May 11 at Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
