São Tomé end 18-game winless streak as Malawi pay the penalty

São Tomé and Príncipe finally broke their winless drought in spectacular fashion, defeating Malawi 1-0 in the final match of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The victory ended an 18-game winless run dating back to March 2022.

After a lackluster first half, the Flames were made to pay for their profligacy and lack of creativity in a match they will want to forget quickly.

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São Tomé had lost all nine previous matches in this tournament, conceding 26 goals while scoring just four, with zero points to their name. But they finished on a positive note, claiming three points and simultaneously denying the Flames a chance to climb to second place in the group standings.

Kalisto Pasuwa’s side finished fourth with 13 points, having conceded 10 goals and scored 8—plus three goals awarded by FIFA after Equatorial Guinea failed to arrive in Malawi on Thursday.

Malawi rue missed chances and questionable team selection

“São Tomé wanted the game more than us. They were playing direct football. We had our chances but couldn’t convert, and they got one opportunity, went into the box, and scored through a penalty,” Kalisto Pasuwa admitted candidly after the match.

The problems began with team selection. Pasuwa opted for a 4-3-3 formation—a sound system, but with the wrong personnel. The lineup featured a solid defense and defensive midfield, but lacked creativity in the attacking third with two out-of-position strikers and one forward.

Lloyd Aaron was deployed just behind the striker despite being a natural holding midfielder, while Yankho Singo played as the number six. Ironically, all three central midfielders had defensive mindsets, stifling any creative flow.

Babatunde Adepoju led the attacking line, but natural striker Richard Mbulu was pushed out wide, while Chawanangwa Kaonga occupied the left flank. Both wide players contributed little and were substituted early in the second half.

Babatunde committed more fouls than he attempted shots in the first half. Malawi did create chances—Alick Lungu whipped in a free-kick from the left toward Babatunde, who headed down to Kaonga, but his effort was cleared by defenders.

Lloyd Njaliwa combined with Lloyd Aaron, unleashing a powerful long-range effort that sailed just over the bar. From a corner kick delivered by Kaonga, the hosts cleared to Lungu, whose thunderous shot was denied by a spectacular save from the São Tomé goalkeeper.

Despite no defensive issues, the technical panel inexplicably substituted defender Macdonald Lameck for Gomezgani Chirwa instead of adding creativity in midfield or firepower up front.

São Tomé made one dangerous attack and won a penalty. Coincidentally, substitute Chirwa was the culprit, fouling a striker inside the box. Portugal-based forward Ronaldo Lamungo stepped up and coolly sent goalkeeper George Chikooka the wrong way.

Perhaps waiting for adversity to force their hand, the coaching staff responded with three changes: Blessings Singini, Lanjesi Nkhoma, and Mayele Malango replaced Richard Mbulu, Lloyd Njaliwa, and Chawanangwa Kaonga.

However, there were no clear signs of a comeback. Malawi lost the game deservedly.

Malawi struggle without Gabadinho Mhango

In matches where the team has faltered, Gabadinho Mhango has often produced moments of magic to lift morale. He did it twice in recent games—a long-range strike against Namibia and a brilliant header against Liberia that sparked a memorable comeback.

However, Mhango picked up two yellow cards and was suspended. He was expected to miss the Equatorial Guinea match, and when that game was canceled, many hoped his ban would be considered served. FIFA ruled otherwise, and the suspension remained valid for the São Tomé fixture.

“Gabadinho is a player who, when things aren’t working, will gather the players and discuss with them, then things start working,” Kalisto admitted before the Equatorial Guinea match.

The team missed both Mhango’s on-field contributions—particularly his goals—and his leadership. No one could lift the team. Richard Mbulu wore the captain’s armband but did little to prove he could lead in Mhango’s absence.

Wisdom Mpinganjira, who had started the previous eight matches, was left on the bench for the entire game. Patrick Mwaungulu was ruled out due to illness. Malawi lacked pace and creativity.

São Tomé have won just three games in their last 39 matches—all against Mauritius. They’ve drawn four and lost 32 during this period.

The island nation hadn’t won a match since March 24, 2022, when they defeated Mauritius. Since then, they lost 14 matches and drew 4 across all competitions—an 18-game winless streak.

Heading into this match, they had lost their last six games, conceding 20 goals. They were on the verge of recording their first clean sheet since drawing 0-0 with South Sudan in 2024.

Against all odds, they achieved both milestones—a clean sheet and their first victory in over two and a half years.