Durban – South Africa lost the opening game of the COSAFA Beach Soccer Tournament on Sunday 2-4 to visitors, Malawi.
With his speed and skill, Malawi captain, Isaac Kajamu, posed a constant threat to the South African defence throughout the match.
Kajamu scored twice for the Malawians – one goal in each half.
South Africa put up a spirited performance in the second period with Phiwokuhle Gumede levelling the score. An own goal from Sandram Ussi gave the hosts a 2-1 lead.
However, in the final period, Malawi upped their game and scored two more goals through Kajamu and Sandram Saddie Usi, to secure a 4-2 victory.
Kajamu was named Man of the Match.
Commenting after the game, Malawi’s team manager, Manduklanya Wakisa, said his team overcame challenges and won the game because they were well-prepared and could handle the pressure.
He said his players followed instructions.
“We are ready for the next game that will come, even though it will get harder and harder, but we are always ready for the upcoming games,” Wakisa said.
Kajamu said: “We weren’t under pressure before the game. We knew what we were doing, and everything went well until the end.”
Kajamu said the Malawi coach taught them how to concentrate on the game so they could handle everything and follow instructions as a team.
“Our strategy was to prevail without being pressed,” Kajamu.
The disappointed home side coach Coach Fani Shange left soon after the game without taking any interviews.
There were other games on Sunday.
Seychelles beat Saudi Arabia 3-1.
Stephen Lajoie, Martin William, and Terence Amade were on target for Seychelles.
Angola beat Tanzania 2-3.
