‘A statement win’: Malawi beat Seychelles 6-2 in beach soccer Afcon qualifier

Malawi’s beach soccer team beat Seychelles 6-2 away in the first leg of their Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday night.

The visitors scored twice in the opening period to lead 2-0, and had stretched that to 6-0 by the end of the second, with Seychelles scoreless.

The hosts pulled two goals back as the match went on, but Malawi held on to take a four-goal lead into the return leg.

Head coach Willy Kumilambe said there is room for improvement, particularly in defensive discipline.

He was unhappy with the goals conceded from free kicks, calling them avoidable, and said Malawi could have scored more with better composure in front of goal.

Experienced players, including captain Isaac Kajam, Dala Simba and Sandram Saddie, played key leadership roles, the report said.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Fleetwood Haiya congratulated the team.

“This is a statement win and shows the hunger and desire for the team to get positive results even when the odds are stuck against them,” he said.

“As the team prepares for the second leg, this win should buoy our resolve to perform more wonders on home soil.”

Malawi are seeking a third consecutive appearance at the tournament. They qualified for the 2022 and 2024 editions, held in Egypt and Mozambique.

The second leg is on 17 October 2026 in Salima. The finals are due to take place in Senegal next year.