After forcing a goalless draw during the first leg assignment in Botswana, the Malawi national soccer team has proved its capabilities by proceeding into group stages of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers following the team’s 1-0 win over the Zebras in a return match played at Kamuzu stadium in Blantyre on Tuesday.

Gerald Phiri Junior’s spot kick, which came at 80th minute, after Richard Mbulu was fouled, was converted professionally to silence the Zebras.

Head coach, Meke Mwase, did not change his starting lineup which played during the first leg in Francistown, Botswana.

But the South African based forward, Gabadinho Mhango, was substituted by Robin Ngalande in the second half of the match and marked the only substitution made in the Flame’s camp.

Assistant coach for the Flames, Lovemore Fazili, praised his boys for a good performance.

Fazili said: “Let me thank our players for their effort rendered for the whole 90 plus minutes despite losing a number of chances and we are very happy with the result and we are looking forward for the next games.”

Fazili further extended his gratitude to the supporters for cheering the team in their large numbers.

This was the second competitive match for Meke Mwase after Football Association of Malawi (FAM) offered him a year-long deal alongside his assistant Lovemore Fazili.

Malawi is ranked on position 126 on the FIFA ranking while Botswana stands on 147th.