Lesotho spoiled the party for the hundreds of vociferous Malawi fans who turned out at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday as Likuena recorded a 2-1 victory in their Hollywoodbets Cosafa Cup 2022 Group B clash.
Malawi reached the second round of the recent Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon and were roared on by their huge support, who took advantage of the fact that match tickets in the tournament are free.
The Flames had a number of their star names available, including lively forward Gabadinho Mhango, but after a bright start fell behind to an own goal.
Defender Sankhani Mkandawire could not clear a low shot across goal and bundled the ball into his own net.
Malawi had chances after that but conceded a second goal as Katleho Makateng was picked out in the box and he provided a clinical low finish.
Malawi pulled a goal back late on through substitute striker Chiukepo Msowoya, but it proved too little too late. It was a fully deserved win for Likuena, even if they did spend much of the match on the back foot.
Eswatini eased to a 3-0 victory over Mauritius in the opening game of the day, set on their way by an early penalty from Lindo Mkhonta.
They were in full control of the game and it was no surprise that they doubled their advantage in the 77th minute, with Fanelo Mamba blasting a superb shot into the roof of the net on the angle.
Mauritius looked tired going in the closing stages and fell further behind as Eswatini, who won the bronze medal last year, added a third through experienced forward Sabelo Ndzinisa.
He outpaced the retreating islanders’ defence and fired low into the corner of the net, his sixth career Cosafa Cup goal.
The action will be back in Group A on Thursday as Comoros take Botswana at the same venue at 2pm CAT (SA, GMT+2).
Botswana edged past Seychelles in their opener, so can make a big statement in their bid for top place with another victory. But Comoros will be smarting from their opening day 3-1 loss to Angola.
Palancas Negras will be hopeful of making two wins from two when they take on Seychelles, who have still only won one Cosafa Cup game in their last 29 outings. And that was all the way back in 2008.
With only the top team in each pool advancing to the quarterfinals, none of the sides can afford any slip-ups.
Fans wishing to attend games at the Cosafa Cup must collect their free match tickets the day before the game is played.
WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS
Group B
Mauritius 0 Eswatini 3 (Mkhonta 9' pen, Mamba 77', Ndzinisa 85')
Lesotho 2 Malawi 1 (Mkandawire 14’og, Makateng 56’) (Msowoya 88’)
THURSDAY’S FIXTURES
Group A
Comoros v Botswana (KO 2pm)
Angola v Seychelles (KO 5pm;)