Malawi’s beach soccer stars out to finish the job as Seychelles visit Salima

Malawi’s beach soccer team have a four-goal lead and a place at the Africa Cup of Nations in their sights as they host Seychelles in the return leg of their qualifier on Saturday.

The match is at Sunbird Livingstonia Beach in Salima on 17 October.

Malawi won the first leg 6-2, and the aggregate winner goes through to the continental finals in Senegal, which run from 28 November to 6 December.

Goalkeeper Justine Bonongwe said wearing the national colours carries a heavy responsibility.

“When we put on the national colours, it means the country has placed its trust in us, and we must deliver,” he said.

Head coach Willy Kumilambe said preparations have gone well and that he expects a better performance than in the first leg.

“We have had a very good camp, and the morale is very high,” he said. “The nation should expect a far much better game than we did in Seychelles.”

He said Malawi will not sit back on their lead. “I don’t like to play a defensive game, as the best way to defend is to attack, so this game is all fireworks,” he said.

Mr Kumilambe also reminded fans of the team’s pedigree. “I want to remind people that this team is the one which played at the World Cup,” he said.

The coach admitted there had been some “hiccups” after both the captain and vice-captain were injured, but said all players are now available for selection.