Malawi Beach Soccer National Team on Wednesday wasted a golden opportunity to finish fifth after losing to Uganda 4-1 in post-match penalty shoot-outs in the Africa Cup of Nations in Vilankulo, Mozambique.

Regulation time ended in a 6-6 draw.

Malawi captain Sandram Saddi captured in action during the match

It was a painful loss for Malawi who setteled down well in the opening minutes of the first period to take a commanding 4-1 lead into the second period of the match monitored on SuperSport television channel.

However, Uganda, who finished fourth last year, fought their way back to reduce the scoreline to 5-3 after the second period.

In the third period, Uganda scored a late equaliser.

Malawi then scored what appeared to be the winning goal to lead 6-5 but six seconds to time, Uganda equalised, forcing the match into penalties.

Uganda held their nerves to score all their four penalties. Malawi scored through Isaac Kajamu while Martin Billiat and Oblen Khumbula missed.

In a post-match interview, Malawi coach Willy Kumilambe said he was disappointed with the loss.

He said: “It’s unbelievable that we have lost because we were the better side. It’s just that lack of experience cost us the game. We are taking home lots of experience. With lots of experience, we will come back bigger and better in the next tournament.

“The next edition, watch out for Malawi. We came here as novices, but I am proud of what we managed to achieve.”

Malawi qualified for the fifth-place play-offs after anchoring Group A with a 4-2 loss to hosts to Mozambique and 7-3 loss to Morocco in the second match.

Uganda finished third in their Group B comprising Senegal, Madagascar and Egypt.

Uganda started on a poor note, losing 10-1 to defending champions Senegal, but recovered to beat Madagascar 6-3 and Egypt 6-2 in the group stages.

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