Malawi’s Junior Flames saw their CAF Under‑23 Africa Cup qualifying hopes end in a 1‑1 draw at Eswatini, allowing the hosts to advance by a 2‑1 aggregate margin.
Having lost the first leg 1‑0 at Bingu National Stadium, Malawi required a strong performance in the return fixture but failed to break the deadlock during the opening half.
Eswatini moved a significant step closer to qualification in the 76th minute when Njongo Siphelele struck to restore their lead and extend their aggregate advantage.
The Junior Flames persisted in their pursuit of a comeback and managed to level the score late through John Nchema. Nonetheless, the equaliser proved insufficient to change the result of the tie.
The match concluded 1‑1, securing a 2‑1 aggregate victory for Eswatini and ending Malawi’s Under‑23 AFCON qualifying campaign.