Malawi vs South Sudan result: Malawi edged South Sudan 2-1 in their CAF Africa Cup of Nations encounter on September 26, 2026. A late goal settled a tight contest and handed Malawi a crucial victory as they look to build momentum in the tournament.

The match was a test of patience and character. South Sudan made life difficult with a compact defensive setup and threatened on the counter, but Malawi’s persistence paid off in the final stages. The win gives Malawi three important points and leaves South Sudan with a narrow, painful defeat.

Match Overview

Malawi began the game with purpose, pushing numbers forward and attacking through the wide areas. Their reward came in the 21st minute when Gabadinho Mhango found space in the box and finished calmly. South Sudan responded well, gradually growing into the game and finding more joy in midfield. Their equalizer arrived in the 54th minute through Ajak Riak, who capitalised on a defensive lapse and fired past the goalkeeper.

With the score level, the game became stretched. Malawi introduced fresh legs and increased the tempo, while South Sudan dropped deeper and looked to hold on for a point. The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when Chifundo Mphasi latched onto a through ball and slotted home the winner.

Key Moments

• 21’ — Malawi 1-0: Gabadinho Mhango scored with a composed finish after a flowing move.
• 54’ — South Sudan 1-1: Ajak Riak equalized with a powerful strike from just inside the area.
• 66’ — Big save: Malawi’s goalkeeper kept the score level with a strong one-on-one stop.
• 78’ — Malawi 2-1: Chifundo Mphasi broke through and scored the winner.
• 90+2’ — Late pressure: South Sudan pushed forward, but Malawi defended resolutely to see out the win.

Tactical Story

Malawi used a 4-2-3-1 shape and looked to overload the flanks. Their wingers stayed wide, stretching South Sudan’s back line and creating space for late runs into the box. The midfield duo worked hard to win second balls, and Malawi’s full-backs were encouraged to join the attack.

South Sudan set up in a low block and tried to spring quick counter-attacks. That approach worked well for periods, especially after the equalizer. However, as the game wore on, their defensive concentration dipped, and Malawi’s substitutions made the difference. The winning goal came from exactly the kind of direct run South Sudan had struggled to track all evening.

Standout Players

Gabadinho Mhango was a constant threat for Malawi, combining sharp movement with clinical finishing. Chifundo Mphasi made an impact from the bench and scored the decisive goal. Ajak Riak was South Sudan’s standout performer, taking his goal well and leading several counter-attacks. Their goalkeeper also made important saves to keep the match close.

What It Means for the Africa Cup of Nations Campaign

Malawi’s 2-1 win boosts their confidence and gives them a strong platform in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. South Sudan, despite the defeat, showed enough to suggest they can compete in their remaining fixtures. The group table remains finely balanced, and both teams know that small margins will decide who advances.