Malawi’s Flames succumb to Burundi in AFCON Qualifiers

…..Malawi 2-3 Burundi

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi national football team (Flames) has succumbed to 2-3 home defeat to Burundi at the Bingu national stadium in Lilongwe in their first game of group L 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Tactically the Burundians were better than Malawi who failed to coordinate well in every department giving the visitors room to shine especially in the wing attacks no wonder they got a goal in the 21st minute which originated from a well taken corner kick before Chimwemwe Idana directed the ball into his own net as he tried to clear the danger.

In the 30th minute Zesco United forward, Chawanangwa Kaonga scored a stunning free kick a few meters from the 18-yard box.

However, the celebration was cut short as the visitors restored their lead at 32nd minute.

Patrick Mabedi’s side kept pushing for an equalizer before the break but gods of football didn’t smile at them until the last whistle.

Come second half, Flames kept pushing for an equalizer but couldn’t get the match needed goal so soon.

In the 55th minute Chawanangwa Kaonga’s shot went wide after beautifully being set by Yamikani Chester who seemed to have been enjoying the game that afternoon.

Patrick Mabedi made changes at 68th minute to add value in the attacking third as he brought on TP Mazembe new catch Patrick Mwaungulu and Robert Saizi. The changes proved a point as the tempo of the game changed.

Mwaungulu entered into the game with his magical display and delivered beautiful balls in the box but still Malawi couldn’t utilize this.

In the 74th minute Lanjesi Nkhoma slotted home with a beautiful header from a well-taken cross by Chawanangwa Kaonga to put the matter on level.

Time fast ticked for Malawi to get the winning goal which could see them starting the campaign on high note but to the contrary it was Burundi who got the precious goal this time again from an own goal from Gomezgani Chirwa who tried to clear the ball, unfortunately the ball majestically zoomed into the net and all fans from Dzaleka Camp, Mchesi and Kawale were sent into rapture while the Malawi fans putting on red Jersey all were frozen.

Soon after the goal the referee added 4 minutes on his clock and Flames thought they would utilize this but it wasn’t to be as Burundi kept defending well to take home all the three points.

Prior to the game Malawi head coach Patrick Mabedi told journalists that the team didn’t have enough time to prepare and try some combinations and coordinations.

Flames will be travelling to Mali to face Burkina Faso in their group L second clash whereas Burundi will remain in the country as they wait for Sadio Mane’s Senegal in a match which is anticipated to be played on Saturday at the same venue, Bingu National Stadium.