Malawi defeat Ethiopia in AFCON qualifier

Malawi opened their 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifications account on a good note by inflicting a 2-1 defeat on Ethiopia on Sunday.

Gabadinho Mhango's two goals in the first half was enough to secure the maximum points for the Flames at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

The Orlando Pirates striker netted the opening goal of the match as early as the 10th minute after converting a penalty kick to put the hosts ahead.

Mhango scored again from the spot to double the advantage for Malawi after defender Mignot Debebe committed a foul inside the penalty box leading to a caution.

Mhango nearly got a hat-trick in the second half but his effort was saved by Fasil Gebremichael before Abubeker Nasir scored from the spot to pull one back for Ethiopia in the 68th minute.

The group's other game between Egypt and Guinea will be played later tonight.

Elsewhere in Group J, Botswana matched Tunisia boot-for-boot after holding the Carthage Eagles to a scoreless draw in a matchday two fixture at the Francistown Stadium.

The first half belonged to Tunisia whose dominance couldn't pay off as Botswana shot stopper Goitseone Phoko made some key stops to deny them.

The Zebras came back from the break the stronger side but they could not exploit the Tunisian defence, having just a shot on target in the process.

Tunisia lead the Group with four points after two matches and will face their Northern African rivals Libya in the next two rounds in September.