Wa Ganyu 

That demon resisting Malawi from a win when facing West Africa countries has been delivered as the Flames recorded a victory over Liberia’s The Lone Stars 1-0 in 2026 Fifa World Cup Qualifier at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia.

It was Zambia-based Kabwe Warriors forward Chifundo Mphasi who came off the bench to score in the 78th minute a precious goal.

The Flames of Malawi were going to Liberia knowing that they have never collected full points in this part of the continent since 1980 when they first surrendered to Cameroon and lost 3-0.

Malawi coach Patrick Mabedi used several players who gave questions to most Malawians. He handed forward Olson Kanjira in his 4-5-1 formation from a 4-3-3 system.

Brighton Munthali was in goals as usual with centre-backs Denis Chembezi and Lawrence Chaziya, full-backs with Stanley Sanudi and Tatenda M’balaka in defence.

At the midfield he played Lloyd Aaron, Chimwemwe Idana, John Banda and Lanjesi Nkhoma and Roberts Gomez Saizi.

It worked for Malawi as they took the game to the opponent and in the fifth minute, Idana found space on the right and set Kanjira, but his shot in the penalty area was blocked.

In the 10th minute, unmarked Chaziya also, basked over with Liberia goalkeeper Boison Wynney at his mercy.

At half time, Mabedi made two substitutions, bringing in Christopher Kumwembe and Wisdom Mpinganjira to replace Kanjira and Nkhoma.

Mabedi then made another change in the 67th minute, taking off Saizi and introducing Mphasi who brought the difference just 10 minutes as he fired past substitute goalkeeper Ashley Williams who had replaced Wynney.

“It was a fantastic performance and I am happy for my boys. We will keep working as we prepare to host Tunisia,” he said.

The Flames will host Tunisia on Tuesday at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.