Malawi men’s U-20 coach Milias Pofera Jegwe has issued a warning to the Junior Chipolopolo ahead of their COSAFA Region 5 Games semifinal clash.

Jegwe admitted that his team has long struggled against Zambia but promised that the story will be different this afternoon.

Malawi reached the semifinals after an impressive run in Group A, defeating hosts Namibia and Zimbabwe, and drawing with Angola to finish top with 7 points.

The Junior Flames have never lifted the trophy, with their best performance coming in 2003 when they reached the final but fell short—against Zambia.

“I know they [Zambia] are the favourites; but we want to leave a statement here in Namibia,” said Jegwe.

“Zambia has been giving us problems but we need to stop that story now. We are underdogs which is an advantage because we play without pressure.

“The match will not go into penalties; we will finish it in regulation time. It is our hope to reach finals and we have to stop Zambia this afternoon. Our story on Zambia is always a problem. People say we are wives to them, it pains us, but I have brought a different team that will end the Zambia dominance over us.

“My boys are ready to issue a statement this afternoon. Malawians should be praying for us because this afternoon we will deliver the goods,” he added.

Zambia qualified from Group B alongside South Africa, who face Angola in the other semifinal.

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