The Flames of Malawi came from behind to salvage a dramatic 2-2 all draw against Liberia in a thrilling match staged at Bingu National Stadium in the southeast African nation capital, Lilongwe, on Monday.
Perhaps, it was a twist of fate. Maybe the story was cast in stone or should we say it was all written on the wall of miracles?
Either way, the lion-hearted new look Flames, led by captain fantastic Gabadinho Mhango, once an outcast and labelled a rebel and too old for the team, seems to have found a formula to their game.
Malawi was trailing 2-0 in the first half but came strong in the second half and put up a gallant fight against the visitors to force a dramatic draw.
Liberia came flying out of the blocks, stunning the home crowd just three minutes into the game as Ayouba Kosiah latched onto a pass and smashed home a half-volley to give the Lone Stars a dream start.
From there, the visitors grew in confidence, with Salomon Tweh and Philip Tarnue both testing Malawi’s defence, though chances went begging.
The Kalisto Pasuwa boys struggled to impose themselves to make a mark in the first half as Liberia kept mounting more pressure and doubled their lead shortly after the restart.
In the 61st minute, Kosiah struck again, coolly finishing from close range to make it 2-0 and seemingly put the game beyond reach.
But Malawi had other ideas and vehemently refused to go down without a fight at their own backyard. They levelled up, picked up the pieces, and set their flames ablaze.
Backed by their passionate fans, Malawian players clawed their way back into the contest.
Flames skipper, Frank “Gabadinho” Mhango pulled one back in the 73rd minute with a clinical right-footed strike, igniting belief across the stands.
Just seven minutes later, substitute Chawanangwa Kawonga completed the comeback, firing past the Liberian goalkeeper to level the score at 2-2.
The final minutes were tense, with both sides cautious not to throw away the point. Despite six minutes of added time, neither team could find the winner.
At full time, it ended Malawi 2–2 Liberia.
Liberia will rue letting a two-goal lead slip, while Malawi will take heart from their resilience and fighting spirit.
With both teams earning just a point, Group H remains wide open.
After the game, Malawi’s captain and serial goal scorer, Gabadinho Mhango, praised his teammates for their resilience and the urge not to give up.
Said Mhango: “Everybody really worked hard, and that spirit of refusing to give up, gave us the impetus to go on and force a draw in a match that was considered done and dusted by our opponents.
“We will continue to fight. We have a very good team with young and hungry-for-success players.”
On his part, Malawi head coach, Kalisto Pasuwa, said: “I am proud of the boys. They really gave their best in the second half. I am pleased. We move on to the next game.”
The 2026 World Cup African Qualifiers are in full swing, delivering thrilling football action across the continent.
Football fans, across the continent are keeping a close eye on the fixtures, with each match shaping the journey to the global stage.
The latest results are redefining expectations as traditional powerhouses face strong competition from emerging teams.
Meanwhile, the group standings continue to shift dramatically, highlighting just how competitive the race to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has become.
“We will continue to fight. We have a very good team with young and hungry-for-success players.”
Frank Gabadinho Mhango
Malawi National Team Captain
