History was made yesterday in Tunisia as São Tomé and Príncipe recorded their first victory since March 2022, defeating the Malawi national football team.
São Tomé scored the match-winning goal in the 63rd minute from the penalty spot after Malawi defender Gomezgani Chirwa fouled a player in the box, with Ronaldo Lumungo converting the spot-kick.
The celebration that followed was euphoric, almost as if the team had qualified for a major tournament. In reality, the victory marked their first win in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Group H.
São Tomé remains at the bottom of the group with 3 points. Malawi’s defeat means they have missed the chance to finish second in the group, as a win would have lifted them from fourth to second with 16 points.
Here is how BolaNews has ranked the first 11:
System used: 4-3-3
George Chikooka (5/10)
Chikooka, who stepped in for first-choice keeper William Thole, had easy work as the home team had only two shots on target. Chikooka cleared the first one and managed to stop a dangerous cross, but failed to stop the penalty.
McDonald Lameck (4/10)
The right back was substituted for Gomezgani Chirwa later in the second half. Lameck managed to close his line and also create two chances through long throw-ins.
Charles Petro (6/10)
He was on top of his game, winning two aerial duels and three tackles, managing the line of defense, and partnering well with Denis Chembezi.
Denis Chembezi (5/10)
He was available to rescue the situation when the defense was exposed. Won two crucial tackles while partnering well with Petro.
Alick Lungu (5/10)
The left back had a good game, mainly in the first half, creating two chances from the left flank. He covered his line well, but dropped his performance in the second half.
Lloyd Njaliwa (4/10)
His task was to attack while feeding strikers in front. He struggled in creating chances, hence pushing strikers to drop, looking for the ball. He was later taken out.
Lloyd Aaron (4/10)
Same as Njaliwa, coach Pasuwa trusted him to play as an attacking midfielder though he does much better when playing as a holding player. Just like Njaliwa, he failed to feed strikers.
Yankho Singo (4/10)
He was the only holding midfielder per Pasuwa’s tactic but he delivered not that much hence he was taken out in the second half for Blessings Singini.
Babatunde Adepoju (4/10)
The Nigeria born player made his debut yesterday but found it difficult to find a goal. Assigned to operate from the left flank, Adepoju failed to keep position hence dropping deep in search of the ball. He only had one serious attack down the left.
Richard Mbulu (3/10)
The Malawi captain was trusted to play as a number 9. Had two clear chances to score but sent the ball over the bar. He failed to partner with Adepoju and Kaonga hence replaced him later.
Chawanangwa Kaonga (4/10)
Operating from the right front as a striker he failed to clear enough and clear spaces. Three crosses with one blocked, Kaonga struggled and he was replaced later.
Pasuwa’s reaction
Speaking after the match, coach Kalisto Pasuwa admitted his side was not up to standard and praised the home team’s determination.
“It’s part of the game, we need to correct ourselves. We struggled to hit the last line because they could use 9 players in defence.
“We were not patient enough because every time when we had the ball we were hitting long balls to find our strikers which were difficult,” he said.
Commenting on the campaign, Pasuwa added that it was unfortunate they failed to finish on a high note, particularly due to the loss against São Tomé, a team that is struggling.
