Gaba scores outrageous goal as Flames scorch Brave Warriors

Malawi ended their five-game winless streak with a vital 2-1 victory over Namibia on Friday afternoon in Botswana, dealing the Brave Warriors their first defeat in World Cup qualifying.

The Flames got off to a dream start when Richard Mbulu capitalized on a defensive blunder just five minutes into the match. The Richard’s Bay striker pounced on a misplaced back pass to beat the Namibian goalkeeper and give Malawi the perfect start.

Gabadinho Mhango doubled the advantage in the second half with his trademark finish, beating the keeper from the centre line after seeing him off his line, continuing his impressive scoring record for the national team.

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Despite Namibia enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Malawi proved lethal on the break. The pace and movement of Mhango and Wisdom Mpinganjira on the flanks caused constant problems for the Brave Warriors’ defense.

Mhango nearly extended his tally after doubling Malawi’s lead, but his clever chip effort drifted agonizingly wide before another attempt struck the post. Mhango also went close, forcing an outstanding save from the Namibian goalkeeper after receiving a brilliant pass from Yankho Singo, cutting inside, and unleashing a curling effort.

The chances kept coming for the Flames. Wisdom Mpinganjira found Mhango from a corner kick, but the striker’s glancing header was cleared off the line. Later, Mhango combined with Macdonald Lameck, whose shot cannoned off the post.

The hosts restored hope when Dawid Ndeunyema’s header beat George Chikooka to reduce the deficit. Namibia had a golden opportunity to level the scores but their unmarked striker fired wide when well-positioned.

Substitute Mayele Malango nearly made an instant impact after replacing Mbulu. The forward received a pass from Chikooka on the left flank, drove into the penalty area, but saw his effort blocked.

Namibia had six corner kicks to Malawi’s eight, while managing six shots with three on target compared to the visitors’ eleven shots with five on target.

Going into the match, Malawi desperately needed to end their winless run, while Namibia aimed to cement their second-place position in Group H and maintain their unbeaten record in World Cup qualifying.

The victory keeps Malawi’s World Cup hopes alive, moving them to fifth place with nine points—just one behind Liberia and Equatorial Guinea.

More significantly, the result handed Namibia their first qualifying defeat and prevented them from closing within four points of group leaders Tunisia. Tunisia now sit just one victory away from securing their place at the World Cup finals.

The Flames will conclude their September fixtures with a crucial home match against Liberia, while Namibia host São Tomé. Tunisia face Equatorial Guinea in the other Group H encounter.

Gabadinho Mhango’s goal against Namibia was his 19th in 72 appearances since making his international debut in 2012. The strike means he has now equaled the appearance records of Malawian legends Essau Kanyenda and Davie Banda.