Malawi needed a late winner to see off Comoros in the COSAFA Cup plate semi-final on Tuesday evening.
Malawi were off to a positive start when Gabadinho Mhango probed the opposing goal on nine minutes, but goalkeeper Fahadi Mohamed parried successfully.
The Flames continued to push for the opening goal,as Mohamed got down to turn Mhango's effort from the edge of the area away for a corner on 20 minutes.
Pressure finally toiled for the Islanders on 31 minutes after Richard Mbulu leaped highest to head over Mohamed to put Malawai ahead.
Unlike the first half, the Malawians made a slow start to the second half as the Islanders grew in confidence.
The Comoros eventually levelled matters after 61 minutes when ElHaddad Hachim's low shot deflected past Brighton Munthali.
The fire from the Flames never subsided despite the set-back, as the clash seemed destined for a penalty shoot-out.
Malawi ensured the clash would not go to penalties after substitute Chikoti Chirwa headed in the winner from a corner by Phiri Junior to set-up a meeting with South Africa.