Late on a sultry evening at Bingu National Stadium, history was made. After 24 years without a competitive victory over their southern neighbours, the Malawi Flames defeated South Africa’s Bafana Bafana by a single goal, 1–0, to take a decisive step toward qualification for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
From the first whistle, both sides settled into a tense chess match. The opening 45 minutes produced few clear chances. South Africa controlled possession through midfield, probing patiently, while Malawi’s defence—marshaled by captain Wisdom Mpinganjila—remained disciplined, allowing no wayward through‑balls or dangerous runs behind the back line. At half‑time, the scoreboard correctly reflected the deadlock: 0–0.
The second half brought renewed intensity. Bafana Bafana doubled their efforts, winning free kicks and corners, yet Malawi matched them at every turn. Both teams traded set‑piece opportunities—each side winning four corners in total—but neither could convert. As the clock ticked past 80 minutes, it seemed that the match might limp to a goalless draw.
Then, in the 88th minute, Malawi won their fourth corner. The ball was swung in from the right flank with precision. A melee formed at the near post: heads rose, bodies jostled—and there, towering above the rest, was Zeliat Nkhoma. He met the delivery with a powerful downward header that arrowed past the outstretched gloves of the South African goalkeeper and crashed into the net. Pandemonium erupted in the stands.
That single, thunderous connection—Zeliat Nkhoma’s header—broke a 24‑year hoodoo and put Malawi ahead, 1–0. With only minutes remaining, the Flames retreated into a compact defensive shape. Wisdom Mpinganjila led by example, chasing down every loose ball, organizing the back four, and snuffing out South African attacks. In stoppage time, a late Bafana corner was punched clear by Malawi’s keeper, and a final South African free‑kick curled harmlessly over the bar.
Avant Publications