Malawi are appearing at the Africa Cup of Nations for a third time
Gabadinho Mhango scored twice as Malawi beat Zimbabwe 2-1 to boost their hopes of a first-ever appearance in the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Zimbabwe went ahead with a superb 38th-minute header from Ishmael Wadi, but Mhango equalised five minutes later with a controlled half-volley.
And Mhango put the Flames ahead in their Group B clash by dinking over the keeper 13 minutes into the second half.
Malawi sit a point behind Guinea and Senegal, who both have four points.
The victory is only Malawi's second win at the Nations Cup, with their first - a 3-0 victory over Algeria - coming upon their tournament debut in 2010 when they exited in the group stages.
The Flames know victory over pre-tournament favourites Senegal in their final group game on Tuesday will see them through to the knock-out stage, while a point could be enough to progress as one of four best third-placed sides.
- Africa Cup of Nations fixturesAfrica Cup of Nations group tables
Both sides had lost their opening games 1-0, with Zimbabwe beaten by a 97th-minute Senegalese penalty and Malawi by Guinea, and it was the Zimbabweans who had the better first-half openings.
Warriors centre-back Gerald Takwara sent a free header down and wide, while Wadi saw one headed effort go close and another pushed behind by Malawi keeper Ernest Kakhobwe.
Wadi's opener was a fine header from Bruce Kangwa's left-wing cross, which he directed back across goal from 14 yards and looped over the keeper.
Another good ball into the box - this time by Francisco Madinga - set the platform for Mhango to quickly equalise at the back post and the forward then completed the comeback with a composed finish.
The Flames were still without head of technical panel Mario Marinica but had several players available again after a Covid-19 outbreak, having only been able to name four substitutes in their opening game against Guinea.
Defeat means Zimbabwe become the first team to be eliminated from the Nations Cup, as they can no longer finish third in the group.
- Line-upsMatch StatsLive Text
Line-upsMalawi
Formation 3-4-1-2
16Kakhobwe21Chirwa19Mzava5Chembezi2Sanudi17Banda8Idana10Madinga11Mhango9Mbulu22Muyaba
- 16KakhobweBooked at 90mins21Chirwa19MzavaSubstituted forChaziyaat 27'minutes5Chembezi2SanudiBooked at 49mins17Banda8IdanaSubstituted forPhiriat 84'minutes10MadingaSubstituted forPetroat 84'minutes11Mhango9MbuluSubstituted forBandaat 66'minutes22MuyabaSubstituted forChesterat 66'minutes
Substitutes
- 1Thomu3Petro4Cholopi6Chirwa7Mhone12Fodyah13Banda14Ngalande15Chaziya20Chester26Davie27Phiri
Zimbabwe
Formation 4-1-4-1
1Mhari22Chimwemwe5Takwara15Hadebe14Bhasera4Madzongwe7Wadi17Musona8Benyu12Kangwa10Kadewere
- 1Mhari22Chimwemwe5Takwara15HadebeBooked at 29mins14Bhasera4MadzongweBooked at 83mins7WadiSubstituted forMahachiat 84'minutes17MusonaSubstituted forMuskweat 78'minutes8Benyu12KangwaBooked at 20minsSubstituted forZemuraat 67'minutes10Kadewere
Substitutes
- 2Murwira3Zemura6Mudimu9Moyo11Tigere13Kamusoko16Mahachi18Dube19Muskwe20Muduhwa21Shumba23Mapisa
Referee:Dahane BeidaMatch StatsHome TeamMalawiAway TeamZimbabwePossessionHome36%Away64%ShotsHome9Away12Shots on TargetHome2Away5CornersHome2Away5FoulsHome12Away14Live TextPost update
Match ends, Malawi 2, Zimbabwe 1.
90'+5'Full Time
Second Half ends, Malawi 2, Zimbabwe 1.
90'+1'Booking
Ernest Kakhobwe (Malawi) is shown the yellow card.
90'+1'Post update
Attempt missed. Kudakwashe Mahachi (Zimbabwe) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left from a direct free kick.
90'+1'Post update
Tinotenda Kadewere (Zimbabwe) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
90'+1'Post update
Foul by Dennis Chembezi (Malawi).
88'Post update
Foul by Jordan Zemura (Zimbabwe).
88'Post update
Gomezgani Chirwa (Malawi) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
87'Post update
Corner, Zimbabwe. Conceded by Yamikani Chester.
86'Post update
Jordan Zemura (Zimbabwe) wins a free kick on the left wing.
86'Post update
Foul by Stanley Sanudi (Malawi).
84'Substitution
Substitution, Malawi. John Charles Petro replaces Francisco Madinga.
84'Substitution
Substitution, Malawi. Gerald Phiri replaces Chimwemwe Idana.
84'Substitution
Substitution, Zimbabwe. Kudakwashe Mahachi replaces Ishmael Wadi because of an injury.
83'Booking
Kelvin Madzongwe (Zimbabwe) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
83'Post update
Foul by Kelvin Madzongwe (Zimbabwe).
83'Post update
Gabadinho Mhango (Malawi) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
78'Substitution
Substitution, Zimbabwe. Admiral Muskwe replaces Knowledge Musona.
75'Post update
Foul by Ishmael Wadi (Zimbabwe).
75'Post update
Gomezgani Chirwa (Malawi) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Source: bbc.com