The Malawi National Beach Soccer team has defeated South Africa 4-2 in the opening match of the 2024 COSAFA Beach Soccer Tournament being held in Durban, South Africa.
Dala Simba opened the scoring for Malawi just before the end of the first period.
In the second period, South Africa came back strong, with Phiwokuhle Gumede levelling the score and an own goal from Sandram Ussi due to a miscommunication gave the hosts a 2-1 lead.
Malawi’s Captain, Isaac Kajamu, scored the second goal for his team before the conclusion of the second period.
In the third and final period, Malawi displayed a completely different level of performance, scoring two more goals through attempts from Isaac Jamu and Sandram Saddie Usi, securing a 4-2 victory.
Isaac Kajamu was named Man of the Match.
With this victory, Malawi currently sits at the top of Group A with 3 points.
However, the fate of the group will be determined later in the day as Saudi Arabia and Seychelles, both fellow group members, are set to face off at 14:30 today.
According to the tournament’s rules, the top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals.
