Ephraim Kondowe and Yankho Singo featured in the second half as Malawi opened their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifying campaign with a 2–1 victory over South Sudan at Bingu National Stadium on Friday night.
Former FCB Nyasa Big Bullets forward Babatunde Adepoju put the Flames ahead in the 20th minute before South Sudan levelled through Dhata Joseph shortly after the restart.
CAPS United forward Lloyd Njaliwa restored Malawi’s advantage in the 65th minute to secure all three points for the hosts.
Malawi started brightly and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute when Patrick Mwaungulu’s effort struck the post.
The pressure eventually paid off five minutes later as Adepoju found the breakthrough to put the Flames 1–0 ahead.
The hosts continued to enjoy possession as they searched for a second goal, with Adepoju going close again in the 40th minute before the South Sudan defence intervened.
The visitors drew level in the 46th minute through Joseph.
Malawi regained the advantage in the 65th minute when Njaliwa found the winner, restoring the hosts’ lead.
Kondowe was introduced in the 77th minute, replacing Adepoju after the former Bullets forward was forced off with an injury.
Singo followed in the 86th minute, replacing Mighty Wanderers’ Blessings Singini as Malawi saw out the closing stages to claim victory.
Club captain Blessings Mpokera was an unused substitute, while Oscar Petro was not included in the matchday squad.
The result puts Malawi top of Group B with three points after Egypt and Angola played out a goalless draw in Cairo.
The Flames will travel to Angola for their second qualifier on 5 October.
