Late goal gives Malawi CHAN victory over South Africa

The 31-year-old headed past goalkeeper Jody February after a corner in the first leg of a final round tie. Pretoria will host the return match on June 11.

Malawi and South Africa are competing for a place in the African Nations Championship tournament between August 2-30 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

In another first leg, Gambia and Algeria drew 0-0 in Bakau. It was the first match in the tiny west African country for several years as they previously lacked a FIFA-approved stadium.

It was the third consecutive goalless for the Gambians, who edged Gabon after a penalty shootout in the previous round.

Gambia exceeded expectations by holding Algeria, whose line-up was stacked with stars from the leading domestic clubs, including league leaders Mouloudia Alger.

The winners of the two ties will join Uganda, Niger and Guinea in Group C. Title-holders Senegal are in Group D, the only four-team section, with Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria and Sudan.

Although the African Nations Championship is restricted to footballers playing in their country of birth, matches carry full international status and count toward the world rankings.