Malawi Vs Lesotho

The 2025 COSAFA Cup's Group B is set to commence at the Free State Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, with Malawi facing Lesotho in the opening match. This encounter rekindles a competitive rivalry between two Southern African nations, last meeting in the 2023 COSAFA Cup semi-final, where Lesotho triumphed on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time .

Malawi returns to the COSAFA Cup after withdrawing from the previous edition due to a tragic plane crash that claimed eight lives . In the 2023 tournament, the Flames achieved their best performance since the early 2000s, finishing fourth. However, under coach Patrick Mabedi, the team has faced challenges recently, including a 2-0 loss to South Africa in the CAF African Nations Championship qualifiers, marking their third defeat in four games. Additionally, losses to Tunisia and Namibia in World Cup qualifiers have left them fifth in their group with six points, trailing the leaders by ten points with four matches remaining.

Historically, Malawi has struggled against Lesotho, failing to secure a win in their last six encounters, dating back to 2009 . Their most recent meeting in the 2023 COSAFA Cup semi-final ended in a 1-1 draw, with Lesotho advancing after a 3-0 penalty shootout victory, thanks to goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane's heroics .

Lesotho, after finishing as runners-up in the 2023 COSAFA Cup, had a disappointing campaign last year, earning only one point in three group-stage matches and finishing at the bottom. Since then, the Crocodiles have played 12 matches across all competitions, securing only three wins, two of which came in the CAF African Nations Championship qualifiers against Namibia and Angola. Their failure to qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, with just four points from six qualification games, places them second-bottom in their World Cup qualification group. A significant issue for Lesotho has been their lack of attacking prowess, failing to score in three of their last five games while conceding 12 goals in the same period.

As the 2025 COSAFA Cup unfolds, both Malawi and Lesotho aim to overcome recent challenges and make a strong start in Group B. Their opening match not only sets the tone for their tournament journey but also adds another chapter to their enduring rivalry.