Equatorial Guinea recorded their first victory in the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this week following a 1-0 win against Malawi at the Malabo Stadium on Monday afternoon.

It was all Equatorial Guinea inside the first 10 minutes at the Malabo Stadium as National Thunder created a couple of goal scoring opportunities in the process.

The Flames continued to play under the coach midway through the first-half and were often reduced to defending on the edge of their 18-yard-area, with the view of catching the home side on the break.

Equatorial Guinea came close to breaking the deadlock on a couple of occasions en-route to the half-hour mark and even produced a goal line clearance from the visiting side following a dangerous set-piece move.

Despite being in control for much of the first-half, Equatorial were unable to breach the Malawi backline. Also, National Thunder were awarded with one last chance via a set-piece situation on the stroke of half-time, which was well defended by the Flames.

The score remained at 0-0 toward the hour-mark, while Equatorial Guinea bossed proceedings at the Malabo Stadium. As for Malawi, the Flames battled to make it out of their half as a result of Equatorial Guinea’s constant pressure.

Malawi grew into the game with around 15 minutes left on the clock and began seeing more of the ball, particularly in the middle of the park.

Then in what was a moment against the run of play, Equatorial Guinea took the lead in the 81^st minute as Ivan Salvador added his name to the scoresheet after being picked out by Jannick Buyla en-route to the box.

Equatorial Guinea vs Malawi: Salvador’s 81^st minute proved to be the last notable bit of action of the tie as National Thunder managed to hold on in securing maximum points at home.

Equatorial Guinea: Owono, Akapo, Orozco, Ndong, Coco, Obiang (Balboa 76’), Mascarell, Salvador (Ondo 91’), Ganet (Buyla 76’), Miranda (Hanza 91’), Asue (Siafa 66’)

Malawi: Chikooka, Sanudi, Chembezi (Chaziya 93’), Mwase, M’Balaka, Idana, Mwaungulu (Mpinganjira 46’), Aaron, Kaonga, Kumwenda (Mphasi 46’), Nkhoma (Lameck 62’)

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com