Malawi (6) v Sweden (5)
Malawi (6) v (5) Sweden
By Tom Lyons
Malawi defeated Sweden today in the INSP Networking semi final.
An exciting, goal-for-goal affair ended in a 6-5 victory for the Africans.
Malawi’s Luwindo, scored early, but Sweden’s Karisson equalised straight away after a quick turn over.
Sloppy passing from the Swedes had Malawi on top early, holding possession and creating good opportunities.
But it was the Swedish captain Nygaard, fighting against the run of play who gave the Scandinavians at 2-1 lead.
Malawi continued to dominate midfield, giving the Swedish keeper a good work-over. Lars Bengtsson made some great saves to keep his side in the lead.
With a minute to play in the first half, Bengtsson was finally beaten by Mtambo. It was all square at the break.
The second half continued to be a tight contest, with good offensive pressure from Tossberg, who was later rewarded with a goal from yet another Swedish counter-attack, after the Malawi strikers peppered the goals without luck.
Luwindo took it upon himself to put his side back into the lead with another two goals, the second, a brilliant run up the wing, evading two defenders and deceiving the goal keeper.
Another Swedish counter-attack made it 4-4, but Luwindo dominated when he had possession, achieving an impressive second half hat-trick.
With two minutes to play, the Swedish captain levelled the scores again, but Malawi answered the challenge for a well-deserved win.
Photos: Photoworx