Malawi’s head coach Patrick Mabedi expressed relief following his team’s crucial 3-1 victory against Sao Tome and Principe. The match, held at the Bingu National Stadium, marked the third day of qualifiers in Group H and saw the Flames securing a significant win.
Despite facing moments of pressure, Malawi managed to lead 2-1 by halftime, withstanding a strong push from Sao Tome and Principe, who briefly reduced the deficit at the start of the second half.
The early goals set the tone, putting the Warriors of Equator on the back foot despite some lapses in Malawi’s performance.
“We didn’t start the match well; we were slow, but it was good to score goals which demoralized our friends,” Mabedi admitted in the post-match press conference.
“We lost the ball in the middle of the field, but our ability to capitalize on opportunities made the difference.”
The victory propels Malawi to third place in Group H with six points. However, Mabedi acknowledged that the team must improve further as they prepare to face Equatorial Guinea, a formidable opponent known as Nzalang Nacional, in their next qualifier.
Reflecting on the game, Mabedi noted the disjointed play due to limited time the team had to train together. Despite this, he praised his players for their resilience and fighting spirit.
“I understand, because we had little time to play together,” he said. “But all I have to say is thank you to the players who fought to win the match.”
Malawi’s triumph was a result of tactical adjustments and the players’ determination, showcasing their potential to advance further in the qualifiers.
The Flames’ performance, particularly in maintaining composure under pressure, bodes well for their upcoming fixtures.
As the qualifiers progress, Malawi aims to build on this momentum. The team’s ability to overcome early challenges and secure vital points will be crucial in their journey towards securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Coach Mabedi’s leadership and the players’ commitment will be key as they face tougher opponents in the next rounds of the qualifiers.
