With Bafana Bafana's local based team trailing Malawi 1-0 in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers, their opponents insist that the pressure is on South Africa ahead of the second leg this weekend.
The second leg of the CHAN 2024 qualifier between South Africa and Malawi is set to take place at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday, 11 May at 3pm.
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The hosts go into the match trailing by a single goal after losing the first leg 1-0 away in Malawi.
The winner of the tie will secure a place in Group C of CHAN 2024, alongside Uganda, Niger, Guinea, and the winner of the other qualifier between Algeria and The Gambia.
Fleetwood Haiya, president of the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), insists there's more pressure on Bafana to deliver a result, while urging Malawians based in South Africa to come and support the team in Pretoria.
“This is not just another fixture, it’s a defining moment in Malawi’s football resurgence. With a one-goal advantage, the psychological and moral support from the diaspora could make all the difference,” said the head of FAM, according to Africa Top Sports.
“We’ve won the first half. Now we prepare to go and finish the job in South Africa.
“There’s no pressure on us—they’re the ones under pressure. Beating South Africa is motivation enough for our players. We just urge Malawians based in South Africa to come out in full force and support the team on May 11 in Pretoria.”
Haiya added: "We must commend the players and coaches for the win. It took incredible fighting spirit and tactical awareness.
“Many doubted us before the game, thinking South Africa would win easily, but the players rose to the occasion.”
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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