Andrew Mdzumira
Babatunde Adepoju and Lloyd Njaliwa scored as Malawi began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over South Sudan on Friday night.
The win puts Malawi on top of group B before the Flames visit Angola 10 days later.
Adepoju opened the scoring for Malawi in the 17th minute, registering his second goal for the Flames and his first on home soil.
The forward’s effort gave Malawi a 1-0 lead at 19 minutes as the hosts dominated proceedings during the opening half.
Adepoju was set by defender Macdonald Lameck who invaded the opposition’s box before putting the cross into the box. It was Adepoju who powered the ball into the net.
The first half saw Malawi creating five scoring chances and made three more attempts via Adepoju and Patrick Mwaungulu but was denied by the keeper.
After the restart, South Sudan, however, responded well with Dhata Joseph equalising in the 46th minute to bring the visitors level.
The Flames regained their advantage in the 65th minute through midfielder Lloyd Njaliwa, who converted after receiving a long throw-in from Lameck to make it 2-1.
Malawi head coach Kalisto Pasuwa made three substitutions during the match, introducing Wisdom Mpinganjira for Chifundo Mphasi at half-time, before bringing on Francisco Madinga for Mwaungulu in the 73rd minute.
Ephraim Kondowe also replaced goal scorer Adepoju in the 77th minute as the Flames sought to protect their lead.
The victory gives Malawi an important start in Group B, which also includes Egypt, Angola and South Sudan.
The Flames will play their second qualifier away against Angola on 6 October 2026.
Malawi last featured at the AFCON finals in Cameroon in 2022, where the Flames reached the round of 16 before losing 2-1 to Morocco. Gabadinho Mhango scored Malawi’s goal in that match.
Malawi First 11
William Thole (GK), McDonald Lameck, Charles Petro, Dennis Chembezi, Blessings Singini, Llyod Njaliwa, Chifundo Mphasi, Patrick Mwaungulu, Babatunde Adepoju, Gaddie Chirwa, Emmanuel Nyirenda.
