By Williams Gondwa in Johannesburg, South Africa:
The Malawi Boys Under-17 National Football Team came from behind to snatch a point against Mozambique in their Cosafa Youth Championship opening match at UJ AW Muller Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, yesterday.
Junior Flames attacker Clifford Chisale scored in the dying minutes of the match to help Malawi force a 1-1 draw. Malawi Under-17 Coach Enos Chatama opted for an attacking formation, deploying a 4-3-3 system, with Rashid Nikisi manning the goal posts while James Msongole, Tadala Mughogho, Joel Maziya and Francis Alfazema featured in defence.
Despite bossing possession, Malawi failed to turn it into goals. Mozambique took the lead in the 45th minute through an unmarked Kille Lino, who scored from inside the goal area. In the second half, Malawi piled a lot of pressure on Mozambique in search of an equaliser but in the last seven minute, the junior Flames’ Hassan Madula hit the post with his low shot.
Eventually at the dot of full time, Malawi got the equaliser.
In a post-match interview, Chatama said his boys failed to control the game in the first half, allowing Mozambique to score. “We have just given them the goal. We conceded a silly goal but we came hard in the second half. We wanted a win but a point is something that we need to thank the boys for,” Chatama.
His counterpart Correla said his boys started playing a defensive game, which cost them maximum points.
“We tried to maintain the lead and the boys started defending, giving room to Malawi to score,” he said.
Meanwhile, Angola lead group B with three points after beating Lesotho 2-1 at the same venue.
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