Malawi have claimed the COSAFA Cup 2015 Plate title after beating Zambia 1-0 in their final match at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Friday.
The decisive moment in the match came as Zicco Mkanda took advantage of a mistake from Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene to score in the 59th minute.
It was a close affair at the Rustenburg football venue, as the two sides went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
The second half was a completely different story, especially after a back-pass was attacked by Mkanda, which forced Mweene into scufffing his clearance and allowed the Malawian striker to capitalise 15 minutes after play resumed.
Six minutes later Malawi captain Lucky Malata recieved his marching orders after picking up his second yellow card, handing Chipolopolo the numerical advantage with 25 minutes to play.
However, the advantage did not last long as Donashano Malama suffered the same fate for the Zambians in the 74th minute.
With the battle back to 10 versus 10, the one-time Africa Cup of Nations champions were unable to fight their way back into the tie, which allowed The Flames to victory.
Malawi XI: Swini, Lanjesi, Fodya, Malata, Mkanda, Banda, Kumwenda(Ngalande- Maunde), Kayira, Mzava, Mhone(Frank Banda) Phiri.
