The Malawi national football team kept their contention hopes in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations alive following their 2-1 win over Zimbabwe.
This was their second must-win Group B match after going down 1-0 to Guinea in the first encounter.
After missing the first match due to COVID-19, Orlando Pirates star, Gabadinho Mhango found himself back in the starting berth, scoring both goals for Malawi in the first and second halves.
The Warriors, featuring highly experienced players like Knowledge Musona, Teenage Hadebe, and Tino Kadewere started on a high note scoring first in the 39th minute through a header from Ishmael Wadi beating Enerst Kakhobwe right away.
Two minutes later Mhango connected a cross from Madinga from the left side, thereby beating goalkeeper Mhari in the box after their defender failed to clear it with the head.
Individual effort also benefitted Mhango, gifting himself a second goal in the second half.
The Warriors gave Kakhobwe a tough time shooting on the goal, with a prominent incident of the match being the time he was beaten but the ball was cleared by defender Gomezgani Chirwa as it headed for the net.
Captain Mzava, who led the defense, got an early substitution paving the way for debutant, Lawrence Chaziya due to an injury.
Chirwa, and Chembezi did the needful for the Flames stopping most of the efforts by the Norman Mapenza boys.
Through the 3-5-2 formation, Mwase also gave Stanley Sanudi the starting berth, replacing Micium Mhone on the midfield which had Madinga, Chimwemwe Idana, and John Banda.
Khuda Muyaba and Richard Mbulu partnered upfront.
Sniffing the threat from the Zimbabweans, Mwase introduced Gerald Phiri junior, Charles Petro, Peter Banda, and Yamikani Chester in the second half.
Mhango was named Man of the Match.
As it stands, the Flames are third in group B with three points, a point behind top two leaders, Guinea and Senegal.
The two top teams played to a goalless draw before the Malawi match.
Next for Malawi is Senegal on Tuesday.
