By Rahim Abdul
Malawi’s Flames have beaten South Sudan 2-1 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Friday evening.
The result was witnessed by the 247 Malawi News with Babatunde Adepoju and Lloyd Njaliwa scoring for Malawi, while Dhata Joseph netted South Sudan’s only goal.
The Flames started brightly and took the lead in the 19th minute when Adepoju reacted quickly after his initial effort was saved by the South Sudan goalkeeper, finishing from a cross delivered by Macdonald Lameck.
Malawi continued to threaten and came close to doubling their advantage before half-time, with Patrick Mwaungulu releasing Adepoju, although the visitors’ defence cleared the danger.
The hosts went into the break leading 1-0, with Adepoju’s 19th-minute strike separating the two sides.
South Sudan, however, came out strongly after the restart and levelled the contest in the 46th minute through Joseph.
Malawi responded immediately and almost regained the lead when Lameck delivered a dangerous cross for Adepoju, whose header was stopped by the goalkeeper.
The Flames eventually restored their advantage in the 65th minute when Njaliwa rose to power home a long throw-in from Lameck, putting Malawi 2-1 ahead.
Malawi made two changes in the second half, with Wisdom Mpinganjira coming on for Chifundo Mphasi, before Francisco Madinga replaced Patrick Mwaungulu.
Adepoju, who had given Malawi the early lead, was also substituted in the 77th minute, with Ephraim Kondowe taking his place.
South Sudan pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Malawi held firm to secure a 2-1 victory and begin their AFCON qualification campaign with three points in group B.
