Andrew Mdzumira

Malawi National Team head coach Kalisto Pasuwa has described Zambia’s youthful side as a dangerous opponent capable of punishing any team that underestimates them, following Malawi’s narrow defeat in the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament in Francistown, Botswana.

Malawi suffered a heartbreaking 9-8 loss on penalties to Zambia’s Team B after a goalless draw in regulation time in what was their opening match of the tournament.

Speaking after the match, Pasuwa acknowledged the quality and unpredictability of the Zambian side, emphasizing the threat posed by their young players. Zambia used team B as their main team was playing Argentina in a friendly match.

“They are a young squad and on a good day they can do anything. If you underestimate them, they can punish you,” said Pasuwa.

The coach admitted that his side struggled to assert themselves early in the game, which allowed Zambia to grow into the contest. “We were slow, maybe to go to them,” he added.

Despite the loss, Pasuwa found positives in the performance of debutant Mwisho Mhango, 18, who featured in the starting line-up for the first time. Mhango, who plays for Hannover 96 in Germany, impressed the coach with his composure and contribution during his minutes on the pitch.

“He did well in the minutes I gave him and he is one young player I would like to see in bigger tournaments. He can be part of us in the senior side,” said Pasuwa.

Malawi will face the hosts Botswana on Tuesday in the third-place match following Zimbabwe’s 3-0 victory against the hosts.

Malawi’s starting eleven: