Kalisto Pasuwa says win over Namibia is confidence booster

Malawi National Team Head Coach, Kalisto Pasuwa has described the Flames’ 2-1 win over Namibia as a confidence booster ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next year.

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.

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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.

Speaking after the game, Pasuwa said, ““It was a game that we started very well and it gave confidence to the boys. Most of the time we were trying to keep the ball away from the opponents and also trying to catch them on the break.

“We missed chances. We could even score three, four, five goals, “We made ourselves that we will play every game as it comes. What we wanted was to win and bring confidence into the guys as we build a team for the Africa Cup of Nations next year.”

Malawi have missed the 2025 AFCON finals after a disastrous performance in the qualifiers where they lost four matches under Patrick Mabedi as the Head Coach before winning and drawing their last two matches.