Malawi Under-20 players contributed four players to the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) team following the team’s sensational performance at Africa Sports Council of Africa Region 5 Games.
The Cosafa Under-20 tournament was played as part of multi-sport Region 5 Games in Namibia.
The players are striker Mwisho Mhango, midfielders Misheck Biliat and Madalitso Safuli as well as defender Precious Manjawira.
Malawi lost to South Africa 3-0 in the final but left with their heads held high as the team won four Player of the Match awards in five matches.
Despite losing in the final, Mhango, who turns out for Ascent Academy and was in Germany for trials, was named Player of the Tournament and won the Golden Boot with five goals.
Champions South Africa contributed five players; goalkeeper Selethu Radebe, defender Bokomosi Makokosi, midfielders Kamphelo Makeketsi, Emile Witbooi and Steve Mendes while Angola featured defender Romano Samueli Domingos and Zambia had a striker Billy Daka in the team with South Africa coach Vela Khumalo named coach of the team.
Summing up Malawi’s performance, Malawi team manager Mike Banda applauded the team’s performance which reflected on individual awards.
He said: “We didn’t win the gold medal, but if someone had told me at the start of the tournament that we’d take home silver, I would’ve been thrilled. Overall, it was an incredible team and individual effort.
“A silver medal for the team, four Man of the Match awards, top goal scorer, and Player of the Tournament. This has been an incredibly successful campaign. Massive respect to the boy—I’m so proud of you all!”
