Junior Flames roar back to life with stunning 3-0 demolition of Botswana

Malawi’s Junior Flames let out a huge sigh of relief on Monday as they bounced back from opening-day heartbreak with a thumping 3-0 victory over Botswana in the COSAFA U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Mozambique.

The result couldn’t have come at a better time. Having crashed to a 2-0 defeat against Zambia in their opening group fixture, Malawi desperately needed a response — and their young stars delivered in style, keeping the Junior Flames’ qualification dreams firmly alive.

There was no hint of nerves from the outset, with Malawi flying out of the blocks and pouring forward from the first whistle, repeatedly threatening the Botswana box.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 23rd minute, as Mischeck Billiat slotted home after a slick assist from Clever Kalambo.

And the Junior Flames weren’t done yet. Just before the break, Kalambo produced a moment of magic — a stunning overhead kick, capitalising on a shocking mix-up in the Botswana defence — to send Malawi into the sheds with a commanding 2-0 lead.

The second half saw Botswana toil in vain as Malawi kept the pressure firmly on, with the Junior Flames refusing to take their foot off the gas.

And there was still time for one more twist. Deep into stoppage time, Grant Chibalo rifled home in the 90+2nd minute to put the icing on the cake and seal a resounding 3-0 win.

The victory has sent morale soaring within the Junior Flames camp, giving them fresh momentum after the sting of that opening defeat to Zambia.

Malawi will look to keep the good times rolling when they take on Comoros on Wednesday, 23 September, as the young stars aim to finish the group stage on a high and keep their hopes of reaching the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations very much alive.