Zambia’s National Team defeated Malawi 2-1 in Lilongwe to finish third in the Four Nations Tournament.
Zambia, who lost their first match 6-5 on penalties after drawing 2-2 with Zimbabwe on Saturday, made their intentions clear early on when Clatous Chama scored a beautiful free kick to put Avram Grant’s side ahead after only 16 minutes.
The 32-year-old Simba SC attacker scored his second goal of the competition and seventh international goal for Zambia in 32 appearances.
Less than a minute later, Leicester City striker Patson Daka sailed past the Malawian defense to extend Chipolopolo’s lead, beating Innocent Nyasulu to the near post.
It was also his 21st international goal in 45 appearances, propelling him to joint seventh all-time in Zambia’s scoring charts.
Malawi won a free kick in the 22nd minute, which Zambia failed to defend as Lawrence Chaziya’s rebound was completely misjudged by Toatser Nsabanta and crossed the line before Daka cleared it, allowing Patrick Mabedi’s side to get their consolation goal.
Fairly contested second half
The Flames came back into the game in the second half, looking for an equalizer, but they struggled to break through the midfield partnership of Miguel Chaiwa and Obinno Chisala.
Mabedi substituted Gabadinho Mango, Patrick Mwaungulu, and Lloyd Njaliwa for Chimwemwe Idana, Chifundo Mphasi, and Chawangwa Kaonga, who revived the attack in the 49th minute, and the players delivered as expected, forcing the Chipolopolo to defend.
Grant, on the other hand, rested Patson Daka, Clatous Chama, Gamphani Lungu, and Obinno Chisala to introduce Golden Mashata, Siankombo Abraham, Emmanuel Banda, and Joshua Mutale in the 66th minute.
Zambia’s next game is against Morocco on June 5, 2024, away, in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier before hosting Tanzania in Ndola on June 8, 2024.
Malawi will also host Sao Tome and Principe before traveling to Equatorial Guinea for their World Cup qualifiers in June.
Meanwhile, the four-nation tournament will conclude today, with Kenya and Zimbabwe competing for first place at Lilongwe’s Bingu National Stadium.
