Malawi retain hopes with Togo win

Moses Chavula scored the only goal of the game for Malawi

Malawi survived a stern test to boost hopes of qualifying for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations when beating Togo 1-0 on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Simplex Nthala saved an early penalty to deny the Hawks before Moses Chavula struck the only goal.

The Group K victory in Blantyre moves Malawi to second on the table with nine points, four behind leaders Botswana.

Togo’s hopes of reaching the tournament are hanging by a thread as they are fourth on the table with three points.

The 2006 World Cup finalists hired coach Stephen Keshi this week to help revive their flagging campaign.

But the former Nigerian international could not prevent the defeat as they fluffed a penalty and missed several opportunities to punish the home side.

Malawi defender James Sangala handled the ball in his own goal area which gave gave Togo the hopes of taking the lead.

But the resultant penalty was beautifully saved Nthala before Chavula hit the match winner in the 18th minute.

Togo must now win their two remaining matches and hopes other results go their way before they can qualify for the tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Botswana will pick the group’s first ticket to the tournament if they defeat Chad in the group’s other game on Saturday.