U-17 lose to Angola in their first Cosafa match

Malawi Under-17 national football team on Friday slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Angola in their opening Cosafa Under-17 Championship Group C match in Mauritius.

Angola’s Netinho struck the lone goal in the 19th minute when he fired past Malawi goaltender Kennedy Nankhaima.

Despite the loss, team manager Enos Chatama said they drew some positives and would improve on their shortfalls in the second match against Zimbabwe on Monday.

Malawi’s last group match will be against e-Swathini (formerly Swaziland) on Wednesday. e-Swathini were taking on Zimbabwe in another Group C match on Friday.

“For a group of players that was playing their first international match, the performance was not bad. We will be a much improved side in the second match,” he said.

Last year, Malawi won bronze at the regional tournament.

Three group winners will proceed to the semi-finals in which they will be joined by the best loser.