NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Malawi face Ethiopia at Dire Dawa Stadium on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in the second international friendly between these teams in four days. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET in Dire Dawa, where Ethiopia earned a 1-0 victory in Saturday’s opening meeting.
Both teams are preparing for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, but the immediate pressure sits with Malawi. The Flames need a more clinical attacking performance after creating several second-half chances in the first match without finding an equalizer. Ethiopia can approach the rematch with more confidence after winning three straight matches in 2026 without conceding.
The market expects another close contest. Ethiopia are only a slight 3-way favorite, while Under 2.5 goals is priced heavily after Saturday’s low-event result. That total may look expensive, but the recent scoring trends still point toward another match decided by one moment.
Get soccer picks before kickoff.
Follow our experts.
Malawi vs Ethiopia Odds
These are the current betting lines for the match, and bettors should always monitor the latest soccer odds before placing a wager. Ethiopia are favored slightly in the 3-way market, while the draw-no-bet and total markets also lean toward the hosts and a lower-scoring match.
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malawi | +190 | pk (-101) | O 2.5 (+124) |
| Draw | +210 | N/A | N/A |
| Ethiopia | +137 | pk (-154) | U 2.5 (-182) |
Malawi Betting Form
Malawi enter the rematch with a serious finishing problem. The Flames have failed to score in four consecutive matches, including defeats against Botswana and Ethiopia and a scoreless result against Zambia’s under-23 side. Their last senior international goal came in a 2-2 draw with Liberia in September 2025.
Saturday’s performance was not completely flat. Malawi recovered after conceding from an early corner and created several promising second-half opportunities. Christopher Kumwembe, Chifundo Mphasi, Gaddie Chirwa and Babatunde Adepoju all threatened, but poor finishing and strong goalkeeping kept the Flames scoreless.
Head coach Kalisto Pasuwa has said Malawi need to be more aggressive and more concentrated from the opening whistle. He expects most of Saturday’s starting lineup to remain in place, but Wisdom Mpinganjira is unavailable with a groin injury and Robert Saizi has been ruled out through illness.
That continuity could help Malawi play with more rhythm, particularly after they controlled parts of the second half in the first meeting. The betting issue is whether the improvement can become goals. Malawi can make the match competitive, but their current finishing form makes the +190 moneyline difficult to support.
Ethiopia Betting Form
Ethiopia enter with three consecutive wins and three consecutive clean sheets in 2026. They defeated São Tomé and Príncipe 3-0 and 1-0 in the preliminary round of AFCON qualifying before beating Malawi 1-0 on Saturday.
The first friendly showed a practical side of the Waliyas. Ethiopia scored inside the opening minutes from a corner, then protected the lead even after Malawi increased its pressure. They did not dominate the full match, but they defended the penalty area, received strong goalkeeping and avoided the mistake that would have allowed Malawi back into the game.
Ethiopia are using a largely domestic-based squad for these friendlies. Thirteen players who were not involved against São Tomé and Príncipe were added, while no foreign-based players received call-ups. That gives the coaching staff room to evaluate depth, but it also creates some uncertainty around lineup chemistry and attacking continuity.
The home side do not need to change much tactically. Their best route is another controlled performance built around compact defending, set pieces and selective pressure. At +137, the moneyline is playable, but Ethiopia draw no bet may be the safer structure because Malawi showed enough in the first match to make the draw dangerous.
Malawi vs Ethiopia Matchup Breakdown
The first meeting gives bettors a clear tactical starting point. Ethiopia scored early, dropped into a more controlled defensive shape and forced Malawi to chase. Malawi eventually created opportunities, but they lacked the final touch needed to punish Ethiopia’s deeper positioning.
This rematch may begin differently. Malawi cannot afford another slow start, so Pasuwa should ask his side to press with more intent and play forward earlier. Njaliwa and Mhango can help connect midfield to attack, while Kumwembe and Mphasi need to make better use of any space Ethiopia allow around the box.
Ethiopia should be comfortable letting Malawi carry more possession. The Waliyas have shown they can protect central areas, compete for second balls and wait for set pieces or transition opportunities. Their recent clean-sheet run suggests that defensive confidence is currently stronger than their need to control every phase of possession.
Set pieces remain one of the clearest Ethiopia advantages. Saturday’s winner came after Malawi failed to manage an early corner, and another dead-ball opportunity could decide the rematch. Malawi must improve its concentration on first contacts and rebounds because this is unlikely to be a match with many high-quality chances.
The total is where the clearest statistical case sits. The previous match produced one goal, Ethiopia have conceded none across their three 2026 games, and Malawi have gone four straight without scoring. The current market also prices BTTS No shorter than BTTS Yes, reinforcing the expectation of another low-event contest.
Bettors evaluating whether to take the short Under price or back Ethiopia can review the broader principles in the soccer betting guide. Ethiopia have the stronger recent results, but the total removes some of the risk attached to deciding whether they can beat the same opponent twice in four days.
Malawi vs Ethiopia Predictions and Best Bets
My side lean is Ethiopia. They are playing at the same venue, have already shown they can defend Malawi’s attack and enter with three straight victories. The +137 moneyline offers a reasonable return for the team in better form.
Still, beating the same opponent twice in a short friendly series is not always straightforward. Malawi should make adjustments, and Pasuwa has been clear that he wants a more offensive performance. The Flames can compete more effectively if they avoid another early mistake, but trusting their finishing remains difficult.
The total is the more reliable read. Under 2.5 is expensive at -182, yet the matchup supports the price. Ethiopia are defending well, Malawi are struggling badly in front of goal, and neither side has shown the attacking profile of a team likely to create a wide-open match.
Over bettors need a major change from Saturday. An early goal could help, especially if Malawi score first and force Ethiopia to play with more urgency. But another Ethiopia opener would probably lead to the same controlled script, with the hosts protecting space and making Malawi break them down.
BTTS No is another reasonable angle if it is available at a better price than the full-game Under. Ethiopia have kept three straight clean sheets, and Malawi’s attacking drought is now too long to dismiss as a small sample. The projected score is Ethiopia 1, Malawi 0.
Best Bet: Under 2.5 Goals (-182).
Bet soccer with confidence.
See top handicappers.
International Friendlies Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
International friendly betting requires more than comparing rankings and recent results. Lineup experimentation, rematch adjustments, motivation and substitution plans can all change the expected game state. Checking today’s soccer picks helps bettors compare those factors across the full international schedule.
ScoresAndStats features top sports handicappers with tracked records, long-term results and different market specialties. Some experts focus on totals and BTTS, while others specialize in moneylines, Asian handicaps or lower-profile international matches.
The handicapper leaderboard provides a transparent way to compare recent and long-term performance. Bettors looking for additional analysis can also review premium soccer picks and the latest best soccer bets this week before placing wagers.
