BEACH SOCCER TEAM CLAIM VITAL AWAY WIN IN BUJUMBURA

Malawi Beach Soccer National team on Monday claimed a vital 6-7 win over Burundi away in Bujumbura in the 2024 Afcon Qualifier first leg.

Burundi were first to score but Captain Isaac Kajam claimed a brace to put Malawi 2-1 up before Burundi scored in their own net to make it 1-3 in favour of Malawi at the end of the first period.

In the second period, the two teams scored two goals each making it 3-5.

The host gained momentum in last period as they scored thrice but Malawi managed to score two more to win the  match 6-7.

Head Coach Willy Kumilambe hailed his boys for the hard-fought victory .

“It was a tough game mainly because our opponents had studied us from the  Cosafa Beach Soccer Championship so we could see that when our play makers had the ball, they were coming in so strong to win the ball. Never the less, we managed to win.

“We featured two new players in Allan Mtawali and Mike Chavula and I am very impressed with their performance and hopefully, they will do even better in the second leg,” said Kumilambe.

Kumilambe has however highlighted that the tie is not over and they need to work  hard ahead of the return match at Sunbird Livingstonia Beach in Salima this coming Saturday.

The overall winner will make it to the 2024 Beach Soccer Afcon which will be hosted by Egypt later this year.

The team made their maiden appearance at the continental showpiece in 2022 after defeating Tanzania in the Qualifiers.