Hosts Mozambique get off to a flying start against Malawi

Mozambique played their first match of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations 2022 on Friday at Vilankulo Arena, with a 4-2 victory over Malawi in the Group A opening match of the 5th edition of the competition.

The Flames were the first to score, through Dala at 9′, three minutes (11′) later the magnificent Nelson Manuel scored the equalizer (1-1), a result that was undone by Ussi at 15′.

The second equalizer was scored by Arroz, at 21′. The Mozambicans, under the guidance of Abineiro Ussaca, made the turnaround in the 26th minute, with a goal from Chivale and Nelson scoring his second goal of the match to conclude the victory.

Despite the positive outcome, the hosts had the most difficult time face Malawi under the leadership of Willy Kumilambe. Malawi impressed during the whole game and show that they did not come as extras for this tournament.Mozambique are back in action on Sunday when they will face Morocco at 3.30pm (local time), in a match which should decide who progresses to the semi-finals as Group A leaders. Morocco will miss out on the first round due to Nigeria’s withdrawal. Malawi will be exempt in the second round, and finally Mozambique in the third.

The first matchday of Group B is scheduled for Saturday, with three-time African champions Senegal taking on Uganda at 2pm and Madagascar taking on Egypt at 3.30pm (local time).

What they said

Mozambique coach Abineiro Ussaca

“We did badly in the first two periods, but my players understood that it was necessary to stay calm in order to turn the result around. It was a difficult game against an opponent who created numerous adversities for us on the pitch. The most important thing is that we got the three points. It is also true that we should have won by a good margin, bearing in mind that we have a strong opponent on the next matchday.”

Willy Kumilambe, Malawi coach

“It was a difficult game, although my players showed some resilience in the face of a respectable opponent. I have a young team with the will to assert themselves and we have learned important lessons from this. I’m not disappointed with my players. We will fight until the end, even if we leave here without a win”.

Watch the Beach Soccer AFCON live here!

For full details on the Beach Soccer AFCON 2022, visit cafonline.com.

Source / Photo: CAF