Malawi’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification dream shattered

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—The Malawi National Football Team, popularly known as the Flames, has further reduced its chances to qualify for 2022 Africa Cup of Nations after conceding a goalless draw at the hands of Group B leaders Burkina Faso.

Playing at an empty Kamuzu Stadium on Monday, Malawi looked lusty and their style of play left a lot be desired as they seemed not to be aware of what was at stake.

The Flames, who lost 3-1 in Burkina Faso on Thursday last week in the first leg were supposed to beat Burkina Faso at all costs to keep their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualification dream alive.

The loss means that Malawi has maintained third position in the Group B with 4 points from four games while Burkina Faso is leading with 8 points from the same number of games.

Uganda is on second position with 7 points while South Sudan is at the bottom with three points. South Sudan has beaten Uganda today to collect the three points.

Malawi last qualified for the Afcon finals a decade ago under the guidance of coach Kinah Phiri.

Maneno Chimulala

I am a journalist, educator, and activist with passion for telling stories about social justice, sports and political issues. I graduated from Mzuzu University. I started my career at the Maravi Post online publication in 2012 as an intern while in college. Upon graduating from Mzuzu University I was offered a job as Sports Reporter because of my background as a goalkeeper and rose to the position of sub editor. I also had a short stint with Nyasatimes, Malawi Punch and Malawi Digest. Over the past seven years, I have worked intimately with rural organizations and communities in Malawi on human rights, girl child education and grassroots development projects. With an academic background in education, I also volunteer as male champion for girls’ education under Girls Empowerment Networks (GENET) in Malawi’s South West Education Division (SWED).