Flames burn out at quarterfinal stage

Ernest Mbewe of Zambia challenged by Chimwemwe Idana of Malawi

Sunday Jun 02, 2019. 21:03

Malawi's hopes of 2019 Cosafa Cup glory came to an abrupt end on Sunday afternoon as they suffered a 4-2 penalty shoot-out defeat to Zambia at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu.

The Flames raced into an early lead as Gabadinho Mhango struck home the game's opener with just three minutes on the clock.

Gerald Phiri Jr doubled Malawi's lead in the 51st minute from the penalty spot before Zambia pulled a goal back through Austin Muwowo six minutes later.

Emmanuel Chabula completed the comeback in the final minute of regulation time to send the match into penalties, and like in fixture prior where Botswana triumphed over South Africa, the team with momentum came out tops from the spot.

Chipolopolo were faultless from the spot while Malawi missed two penalties. Victory sets up a semifinal clash against defending champions Zimbabwe - a perennial foe of four-time champions Zambia.

Zambia (0) 2 (Muwowo 57' Chabula 89')

Malawi (1) 2 (Mhango 3' Phiri 51')

Zambia won 4-2 on penalties.

Zambia: Mwange; Zulu, Mwape, Chama, Phiri, Mbewe, Muzaza, Sakala, Muwowo (Musakanya 59'), Kambole (Chabula 59'), Kaseba.

Malawi: Kakhobwe; Sanudi, Petro (Denis 87'), Cholopi, Sambani, Mhone (Kaonga 62'), Banda (Mbulu 78'), Idana, Phiri, Mbulu, Mhango.