Flames Exit COSAFA Cup, Finish Bottom of Group B

Malawi’s national football team, the Flames, have been eliminated from the 2025 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup following a narrow 1-0 loss to Angola in their final Group B encounter.

After suffering an opening defeat to Lesotho and managing only a draw against Namibia, Malawi entered their last group-stage match needing nothing short of victory to stay in the tournament. Despite a determined performance, their familiar failure to convert chances proved costly.

Head coach Kalisto Pasuwa stuck with the same starting XI that drew with Namibia, and the Flames started brightly, showing urgency and intent. The right-wing combination of Gaddie Chirwa and Mcdonald Lameck provided early threat, with Malawi registering two shots on target and winning two corners in the opening 15 minutes.

One of Malawi’s best chances came when Chirwa beat his marker to force a save from Angola’s keeper. The rebound fell kindly to Wisdom Mpinganjira, who laid it off to Chawanangwa Gumbo, but his shot blazed over the bar.

Defensively, the Flames looked solid in the first half, with Blessings Mpokera and goalkeeper George Chikooka keeping Angola’s set-piece threats at bay. Further shots from Chirwa and a thunderous volley by Blessings Singini were both denied by Angola’s keeper, Neblu.

However, Angola made their moment count. Just three minutes into the second half, Randy Nteka turned in a corner to hand the Palancas Negras the lead their first shot on target.

Malawi’s woes deepened when Blessings Singini went off injured after a collision, replaced by Oscar Petro. Later substitutions saw Olson Kanjira, Wongani Lungu, and Zeliati Nkhoma join the fray as the Flames searched for an equalizer. But despite a late surge, the equalizing goal never came.

With just one point from three matches, Malawi finish bottom of Group B, while Angola top the group with seven points to reach the semi-finals.

Assistant Coach Meck Mwase Mponda praised the team’s effort but admitted their inefficiency in front of goal remains a concern.

“It was a good tournament, especially because we are building a new team. It gave much-needed exposure to our younger players. But our biggest challenge remains converting the chances we create.”

Malawi now turn their focus to rebuilding and preparing for upcoming regional and international fixtures.