Malawi’s Flames picked their first win of the World Cup qualifiers after beating Mozambique’s Mambas 1-0 in South Africa on Tuesday afternoon.
Richard Mbulu scored for Malawi with a header in the ninth minute after profiting from a poor clearance at Orlando Stadium.
Mbulu made the most of a poor back-pass from Zinedine Junior to his goalkeeper.
In the 15th minute, Malawi nearly benefited from another defensive lapse as Mozambique goalkeeper parried Gerald Phiri’s free-kick off Chembezi Denis but the ball deflected over the bar.
Mambas searched for an equalizer in the second-half but Limbikani Mzava led his defence well to keep the visitors at bay.
The Flames moved off the foot of Group D as they took their tally to three points whereas the Mambas have gone bottom with one point.
Going into the match, Malawi coach Meck Mwase selected goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa ahead of Ernest Kakhobwe whereas Tawonga Chimodzi and Yamikani Chester made way for Gabadinho Mhango and Khuda Muyaba.
The Flames were smarting from a 2-0 loss to Cameroon on the road whereas the Mambas drew 0-0 at home againt Ivory Coast in the group’s opening games.
For Malawi, it was a perfect revenge after they lost 2-0 to Mozambique on July 11 2021 during the Cosafa Cup which took place in Port Elizabeth.
Ivory Coast lead the group with four points, one ahead of second placed Cameroon.
On the other hand, Mozambique coach Horácio Gonçalves dropped Ernani, Candinho and Melque from the squad that played against Ivory Coast.
The coach started with John Feliciano, Novella Estavao and Victor Guambe in the starting XI.
The game took place in South Africa because the Confederation of African Football declared Lilongwe-based Bingu National Stadium unfit to host such high profile matches.
Starting Line-ups:
Malawi: Richard Chipuwa, Stanley Sanudi, Chembezi Denis, Charles Petro, Limbikani Mzava, Khuda Muyaba, Gabadinho Mhango, Peter Banda, John Banda, Richard Mbulu, Gerald Phiri Junior (Chikoti Chirwa).
Mozambique: Ocazias, John Feliciano, Norberto, Zainadine, Martinho, Reinildo, Novella Estavao, Shaquille, Bruno, Victor Guambe, Miquissone.