Nine of our own carried the Ekhaya badge onto the regional stage, representing Malawi at the 2026 COSAFA Under-20 Championship in Mozambique, a tournament that offered lessons, moments and a glimpse into the future.
The Junior Flames registered two wins from three Group C matches, narrowly missing out on progression, but for Ekhaya’s contingent, the experience goes far beyond results.
Between the Sticks — Sande Steps Up
Amos Sande stood tall as Malawi’s last line of defence, featuring in every minute of the campaign. For a goalkeeper already in our first team setup, the tournament provided a valuable test of consistency, concentration and command at international level.
Impact and Influence — Mwale Delivers
Keneth Mwale missed only the Botswana fixture but made his presence count in the other matches. Introduced against Zambia and Comoros, he brought energy and attacking intent, playing a role in the winning goal and underlining his ability to influence games from the bench.
Quiet but Crucial — Namtunga’s Learning Curve
Reserves’ leading scorer Yusuf Namtunga featured in the opening two matches. While the goals did not come this time, the exposure to international football marks another step in his development, adding a new layer to his attacking understanding.
Clinical Moment — Chibhalo Takes His Chance
Grant Chibhalo needed just one moment. Coming on late in the second half, he rose to meet a Misheck Billiati delivery with a poacher’s instinct, heading home Malawi’s third — a reminder of the value of readiness when opportunity calls.
Setback — Lumbe’s Early Exit
For first team youngster James Lumbe, the tournament was cut short. Featuring in the first half of the opener against Zambia, he was forced off at halftime with an ankle injury, ruling him out of the remaining fixtures, o a frustrating end to what promised to be a strong showing.
Minutes in the Opener — Manjawira’s Contribution
Precious Manjawira featured in the opening match against Zambia, playing the full 90 minutes. Competing in his second international tournament, he continues to build experience at this level.
Learning from the Sidelines
Goalkeeper Luciano Fanuel, defender Blessings Mathyola and youth vice-captain Hope Mustafa were part of the travelling squad but did not see minutes on the pitch. Still, being within the international setup offers invaluable exposure , understanding the demands, intensity and standards of the game beyond domestic competition.
What It Means
From full-match performances to single decisive moments, the tournament reflects a group in growth. The experience gained in Mozambique strengthens both individual pathways and the club’s long-term vision of developing talent capable of competing at the highest level.
What Follows
With domestic competitions set to resume, focus shifts back home. Armed with international experience, our youth, reserves and first team players return ready to fuel a strong second-round push.
For The Cowboys, the future continues to take shape.
