The Malawi Under-20 men's national football team, known as the Junior Flames, opened their CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Cosafa Qualifier campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Zambia on Friday. Playing in Maputo, Mozambique, the two sides remained scoreless for most of the match before Zambia's Billy Daka netted twice in the closing stages, including a stoppage-time goal. According to Nyasa Times, the Junior Flames also had a late penalty appeal involving forward Mwisho Mhango dismissed by the referee. The squad, managed by coach Bob Mpinganjira, will now need to regroup for their remaining Group C fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive.
In domestic football, Mighty Wanderers are gearing up to face Blue Eagles on Saturday, aiming to secure the top spot as they conclude their delayed first-round fixtures in the TNM Super League. According to Nyasa Times, this encounter marks the final match before the domestic competition pauses for an upcoming break. League administrators have scheduled a halt in play from September 21 to October 6 to accommodate the newly merged FIFA international window. The pause will allow the senior Flames to fulfill their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying duties against South Sudan and Angola.