…Malawi 0-3 South Africa

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-South Africa’s Under-17 side cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Malawi at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon, in a match that exposed defensive lapses and lack of composure from the Junior Flames.

The visitors took an early lead in the 15th minute through Luke Hendrix, who slotted home after Malawi’s defence failed to clear a cross from the right flank.

Despite Malawi showing flashes of brilliance midway through the first half, South Africa maintained control of possession.

Malawi made their first substitution in the 38th minute with Owen Dzombe replacing Hope Mustafa, while South Africa responded by introducing Keabetswe Morake for Lwandiso Radebe.

Moments before halftime, Malawi’s Robert Jacob was booked for a foul outside the box and the first half ended 1-0 in favor of the visitors.

The second half started with Malawi looking determined but a defensive miscommunication in the 50th minute resulted in an own goal, doubling South Africa’s lead.

Coach for Malawi Enos Chatama introduced Mapalo Gumbo for Orchestra Kanyenda to boost the attack but the Junior Flames continued to struggle against South Africa’s solid backline.

The visitors sealed the win in the 74th minute following another defensive blunder, extending the scoreline to 3-0.

Malawi’s final changes, including Shaban Daud for Joel Yakobe, couldn’t spark a comeback.

Although South Africa finished the game with ten men after Abulele Dlekeala was stretchered off due to injury, Malawi failed to capitalize during the five added minutes.

The final whistle confirmed a disappointing result for the Junior Flames although it was friendly match.

The Maravi Post