Malawi beat Tanzania 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday through John Banda’s powerful goal in the 32nd minute but it was not enough to upset the tables after losing 2-0 in Dar-es-Salaam on Wednesday in the first leg.

Banda, who was outstanding, made the best of Chiukepo Msowoya’s efforts to score through the far post as the ball took a wicked a deflection off Tanzania defender.

The goal followed mounting pressure that the Flames exerted on the visitors as they took control of the game in search of better results.

Chiukepo, who missed the first leg after injury threw everything into the game and complemented well with debutant Blue Eagles’ Schumacher Kuwali.

The team showed tactical discipline as they atoned for a horrible performance in Dar-es-Salaam, which led them to concede soft goals.

It was an improved peformnace for defenders Miracle Gabeya, Yamikani Fodya, Limbani Mzava and goalkeeper Simplex Nthala.

Nthala was in steady position but should have done better as on two occasions could have gifted the Taifa Stars goals.

Coach Ernest Mtawali summoned up the aggregate loss as painful.

“We had put in our target but we couldn’t do it. It’s a pity that we didn’t qualify,” Mtawali said.

His Tanzania counterpart Charles Mkwasa confessed that they struggled to replicate their performance in Dar-es-Salaam because Malawi employed a fast-paced match.

“The game was very difficult. It was a very high tempo match but I am happy that we have qualified to the next round,” Mkwasa said.

He said the game against Malawi would also give them a clear picture of what to expect in the next round against Algeria.