Mukuru Four Nations Tournament: Zambia overcome wasteful Malawi via penalties

It might not be an exaggeration to suggest that the only time a team from Malawi can beat its counterparts from neighbouring Zambia is when it comes to social football. At all levels of the game, Malawi struggles against Zambian opponents.

That trend continued in Botswana on Saturday when a second-string Zambia national team overcame Malawi 9-8 on post-match penalties in a Mukuru Four Nations Tournament opener to strengthen the dominance over the rivals.

The two teams had pushed each pound for pound to the limit in 90 minutes which ended goalless at Obed Itani Stadium in Francistown, paving the way for the spot kicks.

How Malawi paid the penalty

Both teams seemed to have practiced the penalties with precision; hence, converted all their attempts 7-7 on either side before the Flames goalkeeper William Thole saved Lukas Mutoshi’s penalty for Zambia.

At that stage, all Malawi needed was for the next penalty taker Wisdom Mpinganjira to convert his attempt. Unfortunately, the winger fired his shot against the post then Zambia goalkeeper Patrick Chooma stopped Ephraim Kondowe’s attempt while Joseph Mulenga converted the decisive spot kick to win it for the Chipolopolo.

It might not be an exaggeration to suggest that the only time a team from Malawi can beat its counterparts from neighbouring Zambia is when it comes to social football. At all levels of the game, Malawi struggles against Zambian opponents.

FT pic.twitter.com/wDcC0Srrc7

— FA Malawi (@FaMalawi) March 28, 2026

Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa was without injured skipper Gabadinho Mhango; hence, he turned to Mozambique-based Richard Mbulu for the armband.

Mbulu led the attack which also included debutant Mwisho Mhango from Hannover 96 in Germany.

Who featured in the starting XI for Zambia?

In the opposite camp, Zambia stand-in coach Osward Mutapa fielded a second-string side with captain of the day Abraham Siankombo being among the few recognizable regulars.

It was a game of rushed play and missed scoring opportunities on both ends.

Eliya Mandanji had an effort ruled out for offside for Zambia minutes after Malawi appeared to be piling the pressure in the 82nd minute.

Another match played later on Saturday saw hosts Botswana taking on Zimbabwe. The winner of the opening match will eventually meet in the final to determine the champions.

Football associations for the four nations hatched the tournament idea to fine-tune for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers taking advantage of the FIFA window for international games.