Zeliat zaps South Africa – Flames too hot to handle

In a moment that will live long in Malawian football memory, Malawi Football National Team, the Flames, pulled off a historic 1-0 victory over South Africa in the first leg of their African Nations Championship (CHAN) playoff, courtesy of an 87th-minute strike by Zeliat Nkhoma at the Bingu National Stadium on Saturday.

Entering the clash as underdogs, Malawi defied the odds in front of a passionate home crowd to end a 24-year winless run against South Africa in regulation time, a feat last achieved in 2001 when Patrick Mabedi converted a late penalty in a COSAFA Cup qualifier.

The decisive goal came after a nervy deadlock was broken in the closing stages. A well-delivered corner kick from Wisdom Mpinganjira was met perfectly by Nkhoma, who rose highest to nod the ball into the net and send the home fans into raptures.

Despite not getting on the scoresheet in the opening 45 minutes, Malawi controlled much of the first half. Their movement, energy, and tactical discipline kept South Africa chasing shadows, but a lack of composure in the final third denied them a deserved opener.

South Africa, however, found their rhythm in the second half. Buoyed by coach Molefi Ntseki’s halftime tweaks, the visitors began asking serious questions of Malawi’s defense. But just as it looked like the game would end goalless, one lapse in concentration at the back proved costly for Bafana Bafana.

Speaking after the match, South Africa’s coach Molefi Ntseki acknowledged Malawi’s resilience and home advantage.

“Congratulations to Malawi. They were under pressure to perform at home, and they managed to do that,” Ntseki said. “We were solid until the 87th minute when we conceded a corner and failed to defend it. It’s disappointing. None of our players are playing regularly in their clubs, and that showed in moments that required focus.”

Ntseki added that South Africa would now have to regroup and plan carefully for the return leg in Pretoria on May 11, especially given the difficulty of overturning a deficit without the benefit of an away goal.

Malawi’s head coach Kalisto Pasuwa, meanwhile, praised his squad’s character and ability to adapt under pressure.

“We were second to the ball in the first half but managed to hold on. In the second half, we attacked in numbers and finally got the goal,” Pasuwa said. “This result motivates us, but the job isn’t finished. Football is about concentration, and we must replicate this performance in South Africa.”

The win hands Malawi a slender but crucial lead ahead of the return leg in South Africa, with a place at the CHAN finals, set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in August, firmly within reach.

However, with South Africa set to return to home soil, and still very much in the tie, the Flames will need to show even greater resolve to complete the upset and book their ticket to East Africa.