Malawians’ soccer fans had been waiting for the flames to return home with a trophy, the 2023 Hollywood Betting Cosafa Cup, however, will only live in their supporters’ memories after they lost to Lesotho in a 3-0 penalty shootout after regulation time finished 1–1.
Malawi had an easy game on paper because of their perfect record in the group rounds. winning every game, scoring five goals, and maintaining a spotless record. On the playing field, though, it was more difficult.
Lesotho planned well and outplayed Malawi in the midfield and penetrated into Malawi’s half, but their challenge was to score goals.
Breakthrough came to them in the 18th minute when unmarked Jane Thabanso tapped home a Neo Mokhachane cross.
Motlomelo Mkhwanazi drew a yellow card for handling Lanjesi Nkhoma’s shot in the penalty area at minute 23. Malawi was then given a penalty, which Chawanangwa Kaonga converted.
A minute to break, Mkhwanazi received a second yellow for his challenge on Kaonga and Lesotho were down to 10 men.
Lesotho keeper saves three spot kicks.
Goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane of Lesotho blocked all three penalty kicks from Malawi’s captain Stanly Sanudi, Chimwemwe Idana, and Patrick Macheso, and he later scored a crucial penalty for his team.
Malawi coach Patrick Mabedi gave credit to his players saying they did their best even if they struggled to penetrate Lesotho defense as they dug deep.
“We had opportunities too, but we missed them. But all in all, we did all we could. It just wasn’t our day,” he said.
Lesotho aims to clinch title for their King.
Lesotho head coach Leslie Notsi said they want to win the trophy and give a gift to their king who will be celebrating his birthday on Monday next week.
The Kingdom nation last reached the Cosafa final was 23 years ago, and their current coach was part of that team.
“When we were a man down, I told my boys to keep fighting and not to be distressed. They did exactly that,” he said.
READ ALSO: Kangwanda fires Zambia to the Cosafa final
In the second Cosafa semi-final game, Zambia, the defending champion, defeated the hosts, South Africa, 2-1. Malawi and South Africa will compete for third place.
