Rachael Kaphaizi

The junior Flames dream of qualifying for the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations AFCON/COSAFA Qualifier came to a crushing end on Tuesday, following a 3-2 defeat to Lesotho at ABB Stadium in Maputo, Mozambique.

The loss marked the team’s second defeat in three matches, having previously lost 5-0 to South Africa on Friday but securing a 2-1 win against Comoros on Sunday.

Malawi’s performance in the tournament was a mixed bag, with two losses and one win, leaving them second in Group C with three points from three matches, managing to score four goals.

Despite their hard work, the team was unable to better Zambia’s goal difference, allowing Zambia to advance to the semi-finals as the best runners-up from the pool stages.

South Africa’s Amajita secured their place in the semi-finals as Group C leaders with a 100 percent record. They defeated Malawi 5-0, hammering Lesotho 6-0 before a 2-0 victory over Comoros. They will face Group B winners Angola in the semi-finals, while Zambia will meet Zimbabwe.

Coach Bob Mpinganjira made major changes to the lineup for the Lesotho match, with four new players brought in.

Goalkeeper Willard Sande, Ellias Mwaywanga, Madalitso Sangalewa, and Praise Mbendera started the match, replacing suspended players Innocent Kamwambi and Edward Thengo, as well as dropped players Mwisho Mhango and Benson Makawa.

Despite being booted out of COSAFA qualifiers, Mpinganjira still believes in the boys and sees a future.

“I think we have got the gem that we can keep and develop, I am sure when we get back next year it will be a very strong team, and I am sure that we will get the better results,” said Mpinganjira.

Malawi’s under-20 team has struggled to find success in the COSAFA championship having never won the title since its beginning. Their best finish was as runners-up in 2003.