World Cup (Q): Malawi’s set-piece frailties worry Pasuwa

Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa has expressed his concern over his team’s continued weaknesses in defending set-pieces.

The former Zimbabwe’s Dynamos FC handler was reacting to Malawi’s home two-all draw with Liberia in Lilongwe on Monday in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Speaking at Bingu National Stadium, Pasuwa said it would take time for the Flames to perfect how to deal with defending corners, free-kicks and throw-ins.

He said: “At this level, international matches can be decided by set-pieces, so we need to do more in terms of how we defend set pieces. At this level, we can’t be conceding from set-pieces all the time.”

“Overall, the play and keeping possession away from the opponents we were okay, but in the last third.”

On another note, the coach commended the Flames players for not giving up even while trailing 2-0.

“The boys did well and that is one area they have character. One would have thought it was done and dusted, but they resisted. Well done to the boys and we expect more as we progress,” Pasuwa added.

“We were playing a team with big frames. They played route-one football by passing the midfield to central strikers and then they were getting second balls.”

Liberia made the most of Malawi’s defensive lapses to score in either half through striker Ayouba Kosiah.

It took Malawi skipper Gabadinho Mhango and substitute Chawanangwa Kaonga’s late goals to rescue a point for the hosts.

The point took fifth-placed Malawi’s tally to 10 points from eight games, one behind Liberia in fourth at par with Equatorial Guinea.

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