Malawi U-17 boys football team have qualified for the semifinal stage of the Total Energies Under 17 Africa Cup of Nations Algeria 2023 COSAFA qualifier after beating Namibia 2-1 at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Blessings Kanowa and Webster Mkandawire scored for Malawi while Dorian Nanuseb was on target for the visitors.
The victory for Malawi follows a 2-2 draw with Botswana on Friday during their Group A opening Match.
It was a hardfought win as the hosts came from behind to equalise in the 37th minute after Namibia scored in the 27th minute.
Speaking after the game, Flames U-17 coach Deklerk Nsakakuona said he was happy after w inning the game against Namibia but despite the win his technical panel has more to teach the young players.
The game between Malawi and Namibia was also part of the ongoing Region 5 Youth Games.
Speaking earlier at a briefing, African Union Sports Council (AUSC) CEO Stanley Mutoya said the Region 5 Youth Games have started on a good note and as a region they are inspired with how the games played are patrionized in all venues and sports codes.
According to Mutoya, some of the facilities were not ready in time to host the games and there were a lot of doubts from everyone if Malawi could make it but as of Friday every facility was ready including the Aquatic swimming Complex. He said this shows that the contractors, Local organising committee as well as Government worked so hard and tirelessly to make sure that the competition is not comprised.
He further said that right now they haven’t recorded any injuries on the part of players.
Malawi is hosting the Region 5 Youth Games for the first time since the games were introduced in 2004.
