Chawananga Kaonga scored and assisted in Malawi’s shock 3-2 loss to Burundi at the Bingu National Stadium on Thursday.
The Sensational ZANACO man equalised with a brilliant free kick before setting up Lanjesi Nkhoma for his headed goal.
Mokono Eldhino’s late strike sealed the win for the visitors, despite a spirited fightback from the Flames in the Group L clash in Blantyre.
An unfortunate own goal by Chimwemwe Idana handed Burundi the lead in the 22nd minute.
However, the hosts responded quickly. Just nine minutes later, forward Chawanangwa Kaonga equalised with a well-taken free-kick that found the bottom left corner.
Burundi regained the advantage before halftime, with Jean Girumugisha finishing from close range following a cross from Bienvenue Kanakimana to make it 2-1 in the 33rd minute.
The second half saw Malawi pressing for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Lanjesi Nkhoma rose high to head home a cross from Kaonga, levelling the score at 2-2.
With momentum on their side, Malawi pushed for a winner, but it was Burundi who had the final say.
In the 87th minute, Eldhino capitalised on space outside the box, driving a powerful shot into the bottom right corner past George Chokooka in the Malawi goal.
Kabwe Warriors’ Chifundo Mpasi was also put in a full shift.
