Tag Archives: 2026 FIFA World cup qualifiers

Malawi, Sports

“I put the right players for a good job”-Pasuwa defends Flames loss to Sao Tome

MaraviPost

…..Sao Tome 1-0 Malawi

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Flames Head Coach Kalisto Pasuwa candidly analyzed his team’s performance against São Tome but defended his team selection saying he featured the right personnel to do the right job.

“We had the right personnel to do the right job,” Pasuwa explained.

He added, “You saw Lloyd Aaron’s performance and Njaliwa playing as a number 8, going up and down. We had numbers, but when we needed to catch them on the break, we were passing sideways, allowing them to recover.

“We wanted to hit them in the spaces they left at the back when attacking, but it didn’t happen”.

Pasuwa acknowledged that his team struggled to break down São Tomé’s defensive setup despite having numerical advantages in attack.

“You saw the way they played—nine men behind the ball. We were failing to unlock them and get into the last line. We had numbers, we had players who could exploit spaces.

“We had five guys attacking the last line and players dropping deep to receive the ball, but we were not patient enough,” he added.

The coach lamented his team’s decision-making in possession. “Every time we got the ball, we wanted to hit long balls to Babatunde and Richard Mbulu, but they were winning everything in the air. When we tried playing from the back, we weren’t breaking the lines.”

This means Malawi is on third place with 13 points while Tunisia qualifies for 2026 World Cup.

Malawi, Sports

Pasuwa warns Flames against complacency ahead of crucial Sao Tome clash

Shaffie A Mtambo

TUNIS-(MaraviPost)-Flames head coach Kalisto Pasuwa has urged his players to stay focused and avoid underestimating Sao Tome and Principe as Malawi prepares for their final match in Group H qualifier of the FIFA World Cup preliminary stage in Tunisia on October 13, 2025.

Speaking to journalists after a training session in Tunisia, Pasuwa emphasized that despite beating Sao Tome 3-1 in the first leg at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, the Flames cannot afford to relax in the return match.

“This is not the time to be overconfident. Every match is different and we must approach this game with seriousness and discipline,” said Pasuwa.

The Zimbabwean tactician noted that a win against Sao Tome would significantly boost Malawi’s hopes of advancing to the next phase of the qualifiers, stressing that his squad understands what is at stake.

“The boys know how important this match is. A win will keep our dream alive, and everyone is determined to give their best performance,” he added.

However, the Flames will be without two key players midfielder Patrick Mwaungulu, who has been sidelined by malaria, and striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango, who is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards.

Despite these setbacks, Pasuwa remains optimistic, highlighting the depth and unity within his squad.

He hinted that youngsters like Mayele Malango and Chawanangwa Kaonga could step up to fill the gaps left by the absentees.

“We have talented players ready to take responsibility. Football is about teamwork and everyone knows their role,” Pasuwa remarked confidently.

The Flames, who currently sit on 13 points from nine games, are looking to finish their campaign on a high note. Their form in recent matches has impressed fans, with the team showing better coordination and fighting spirit.

The game, which will be played at the Stade Olympique de Radès in Tunisia, is expected to draw a sizeable crowd of Malawian supporters based in North Africa.

Regional, Sports

Fashion Sakala fires Zambia to victory over Tanzania in World Cup Qualifier

Burnett Munthali

…..Chipolopolo edge Taifa Stars 1–0 in a hard-fought clash to boost their World Cup2026 Campaign

LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-Zambia’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup received a major boost on Wednesday night after a crucial 1–0 away win against Tanzania.

The match, played at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, was a tense and physical encounter that kept fans on edge from start to finish.

Zambian striker Fashion Sakala proved to be the difference-maker once again, scoring the only goal of the game to hand Avram Grant’s side all three points.

The goal came midway through the second half after sustained pressure from the Chipolopolo, who looked sharper and more organized as the game progressed.

Sakala latched onto a precise through ball from midfielder Lameck Banda, showing great composure and finishing power to beat the Tanzanian goalkeeper with a low strike into the far corner.

The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Zambian players and the traveling fans, who filled a section of the stadium with loud cheers and national pride.

For much of the match, both teams were evenly matched, with Tanzania showing flashes of brilliance through captain Mbwana Samatta and winger Simon Msuva.

However, Zambia’s defense, marshaled by experienced centre-back Stoppila Sunzu, held firm to deny the Taifa Stars any clear scoring opportunities.

Goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata also played a vital role, making two important saves in the closing stages to preserve Zambia’s slender lead.

Avram Grant, Zambia’s head coach, praised his team’s discipline and tactical awareness after the match, saying the players showed maturity and resilience under pressure.

He emphasized that every point counts in the World Cup qualifying campaign and commended his squad for sticking to the game plan despite the intimidating atmosphere in Dar es Salaam.

For Tanzania, the defeat was a disappointing setback after a promising start to their qualification journey.

Coach Adel Amrouche lamented his team’s missed chances and defensive lapses but remained optimistic that the Taifa Stars could bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.

The victory lifts Zambia higher up the Group standings, positioning them well for the next phase of the #WCQ2026 campaign.

It also restores confidence among Zambian fans, who had been demanding consistency and a clear sense of direction under Grant’s leadership.

Fashion Sakala’s goal adds to his growing reputation as one of Zambia’s most dependable forwards on the international stage.

The Al-Fayha forward has been in fine form, combining pace, power, and precision to deliver in crucial matches for both club and country.

This result marks Zambia’s second consecutive clean sheet, a sign that the team’s defensive structure is improving after earlier concerns about leaking goals.

It also underlines the team’s growing chemistry, with young talents such as Kings Kangwa, Frankie Musonda, and Emmanuel Banda stepping up to support the senior players.

The win in Dar es Salaam will undoubtedly serve as a confidence booster ahead of Zambia’s next World Cup qualifying fixture.

Chipolopolo fans across Zambia and abroad celebrated the result, taking to social media to praise the team’s fighting spirit and Fashion Sakala’s brilliance.

The victory not only strengthens Zambia’s position in the qualifying group but also revives national belief that the team can finally make it to the World Cup for the first time in history.

As the road to 2026 continues, Zambia’s focus will shift to maintaining consistency, improving goal conversion, and ensuring that every point earned counts toward their long-awaited World Cup dream.

For now, Avram Grant and his players can savor a well-earned victory — one achieved through hard work, teamwork, and a touch of Fashion Sakala magic.

Regional, Sports

FIFA strips three points from South Africa for fielding ineligible player, shakes World Cup qualification

Shaffie A Mtambo

PRETORIA-(MaraviPost)-South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have suffered a major blow after FIFA deducted three points from Bafana Bafana for fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho earlier this year.

The ruling has reshaped Group C standings with Benin now topping the group with 14 points and a +4 goal difference.

The controversy revolves around midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who played in the March 21, 2025, qualifier at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane despite being suspended.

Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards in earlier qualifiers one against Benin in November 2023 and another against Zimbabwe in June 2024 which under FIFA rules meant he was automatically required to sit out the next match.

South Africa’s management failed to enforce this suspension and included him in the starting lineup.

The Lesotho Football Association promptly lodged a complaint with FIFA, asserting that South Africa had violated disciplinary regulations and should forfeit the match.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee found the South African Football Association (SAFA) guilty of breaching Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.

As a result, the original 2-0 win has been overturned, awarding a 3-0 victory to Lesotho. SAFA has also been fined CHF 10,000 (approximately $11,000), and Mokoena received an official warning.

The timing of the ruling is particularly damaging for South Africa, leaving them with a much harder path to qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup in North America.

The incident has sparked criticism of SAFA’s administrative systems. In an era where data management tools can easily track player eligibility, many see the oversight as a serious lapse that not only cost points but also damaged the nation’s international football reputation.

Mokoena’s yellow card record is well documented, making a successful appeal highly challenging.

Malawi, Regional, Sports

Malawi’s Flames up on FIFA rankings over strong international break performances

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi national football team, The Flames have made significant progress on the latest FIFA World Rankings, moving three places up from position 129 to 126.

This rise comes after their impressive showing during the September international break, where they secured a vital away win and fought hard for a draw at home.

The Flames started their campaign with a win 2-1 away victory over Namibia in Botswana.

The team scoring crucial goals through Richard Mbulu and Gabadinho Mhango to seal the win.

Back on home soil at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi faced Liberia in a highly anticipated match.

The Flames went behind early in the first half but they showed great character to come from behind and secure a 2-2 draw.

Goals from Gabadinho Mhango and Chawanangwa Kaonga earned Malawi a vital point with the home crowd cheering them on until the final whistle.

The Flames’ upward movement in the rankings also reflects their improved performance under Kalisto Pasuwa leadership.

Since taking over as head coach, Pasuwa has focused on blending experienced players like Gabadinho Mhango,Mayele Malango Richard Mbulu and others.

Malawi’s recent performances have also ignited excitement among fans, with many taking to social media to celebrate the team’s progress.

Some supporters believe this could be the start of a new era for Malawian football if the team maintains its consistency.

The win against Namibia and the draw with Liberia also earned Malawi crucial points in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign With two fixtures ahead.

The next FIFA rankings update is expected in October and if Malawi continues to deliver strong performances, there is a chance they could climb even higher.

Football analysts Ibrahim Phiri says the Flames’ recent success can be attributed to the Malawian coach selecting the right players who are truly dedicated to serving the national team.

He also thanks to the players themselves, who gave their all on the pitch.

There is a need to maintain strong competition within the squad just like in the last two matches where the players showed great commitment and determination.

Malawi, Sports

Malawi’s Flames coach Pasuwa confident ahead of Namibia, Liberia matches

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi national football team coach Kalisto Pasuwa, has expressed satisfaction with the Flames’ preparations ahead of their upcoming international fixtures against Namibia and Liberia.

These two games are part of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and are crucial for Malawi’s chances of staying in contention for a spot at the global tournament.

Speaking to MaraviPost publication,Pasuwa said the team has been working hard during the training camp and that both new and experienced players are showing commitment and readiness to represent Malawi.

He highlighted the positive attitude in camp and the determination of players to deliver results for the nation.

The coach added that the fresh faces in the squad have integrated well and are ready to take on the challenge of international football.

These new additions bring youthful energy to the team which Pasuwa believes will be key in the tough away fixture on Friday and the home game on Monday.

All foreign based Flames players have now arrived in Malawi and joined the squad ensuring the team is at full strength ahead of their trip to Botswana.

Namibia will use Botswana as a neutral venue for their game against Malawi due to stadium requirements set by CAF and FIFA.

The Flames are scheduled to travel on Wednesday with their first match against Namibia on Friday. After that they will return home on Saturday to prepare for their second game where they will host Liberia at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

Some of the foreign based players in the squad include star striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango, Richard Mbulu, Charles Petro, Lloyd Njaliwa, Chawanangwa Kaonga, Dennis Chembezi, Mayele Malango, William Thole and Robert Saizi.

Malawi’s journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has been challenging. They are currently in Group H, where they have recorded mixed results.

In March 2025, the Flames suffered two straight losses 2-0 to Tunisia and 1-0 to Namibia, results that pushed them down to fourth place with six points after six matches.

Earlier in the qualifiers, Malawi earned a 3-1 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe which raised hopes of a strong campaign.

However they also lost 1-0 to Equatorial Guinea in a tightly contested match in June 2024.

Currently, Tunisia leads the group H with 16 points followed by Namibia on 12 points, Liberia with 10 points, Malawi on 6 points, Equatorial Guinea with 3 points and Sao Tomé and Príncipe at the bottom with no point.

Malawi, Regional, Sports

Pasuwa targets winning stats: Flames squad released for crucial World Cup Qualifiers

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi National Football Team coach Kalisto Pasuwa has set his sights on a winning start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after unveiling a 26-member squad that blends local talent with foreign based stars.

The Flames will begin their Group H campaign against Namibia on September 4 in Francistown, Botswana a neutral venue selected due to stadium standard issues in Namibia before returning home to host Liberia at Bingu National Stadium on September 8.

Pasuwa has turned to US-based players Mayele Malango and Henry Kumwenda to add creativity and attacking options in midfield.

The coach also recalled Charles Petro and introduced young talents like Washali Jaziya and Lloyd Aaron, signaling his intent to build a versatile squad capable of adapting to different opponents.

In defense, Mighty Wanderers’ Emmanuel Nyirenda joins a backline anchored by Denis Chembezi and Gomezgani Chirwa. Upfront, Pasuwa has kept faith in experienced campaigners Frank Gabadinho Mhango, Chawanangwa Kaonga, and Richard Mbulu, while also banking on the pace of Lanjesi Nkhoma and Patrick Mwaungulu to trouble defenses.

Notably missing from the squad are Silver Strikers’ defender Nickson Mwase and forward Gaddie Chirwa, whose recent form has been under scrutiny.

Speaking during the squad announcement, Pasuwa expressed optimism about the Flames’ chances.

“We have assembled a competitive group of players, and I believe they have what it takes to get maximum points in these two games. The team is in high spirits, and our focus is on starting the qualifiers strongly,”he said.

Full Flames Squad with goalkeepers like William Thole, George Chikooka, Joshua Waka

Defenders are Nickson Nyasulu, Denis Chembezi, Maxwell Paipi, Emmanuel Nyirenda, Charles Petro, Gomezgani Chirwa, MacDonald Lameck, Alick Lungu, Washali Jaziya

Midfielders are Yankho Singo, Blessings Singini, Lloyd Aaron, Lloyd Njaliwa, Robert Saizi, Patrick Mwaungulu, Chikumbutso Salima, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Mayele Malango, Wisdom Mpinganjira

Forwards are Chawanangwa Kaonga, Frank Gabadinho Mhango, Richard Mbulu, Henry Kumwenda

Malawi, Regional, Sports

Malawi’s Flames itch for sweet win against Tunisia

Lloyd M’bwana

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi National Football Team the Flames is ready for sweet win against Tunisia this afternoon at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in the capital Lilongwe.

Flames coach Patrick Mabedi told NationOnline that shis charges will go flat out against Tunisia this afternoon in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

Sounding calm, Mabedi added that his predominantly youthful troops are determined to punch above their weight and emerge from the trenches bruised.

How, the Flames face against a side ranked 92 places above them.

Buoyed by their 0-1 victory over Liberia’s Lone Star in their opening qualifier away in Monrovia on Friday.

Mabedi said: “Everyone is excited, everyone looks energetic and they are all looking forward to this game.

The Flames past encounters show three draws and one defeat.

Regional, Sports

2026 FIFA World cup qualifiers: Malawi in tough Group H with Tunisia

Maravi Post Reporter

By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi National Football Team have been drawn in Group H alongside Tunisia in the 2026 FIFA World cup CAF qualifiers .

This follows a draw conducted on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

The other teams in the group including Equatorial Guinea, Namibia, Liberia and Sao Tome.

The Flames will be pondering to qualify to the World Cup for the first time in history.

However their dreams can be dealt a blow by Tunisia who are more experienced in the group according to analysts.

Sports analyst Charles Nyirenda describes the group as tough saying only Sao Tome can be simple to defeat in the campaign.

“Aside Sao Tome, the rest are hard nuts to crack on home turf.Personally,I feel Tunisia’s experience may count in the end”, said Nyirenda.

Another analyst Kim Kamau concurred with Nyirenda saying Tunisia are the favorites in the group.

“It is a tough group but anything can happen in football. We have seen teams have improved tremendously and we shouldn’t underrate them like Namibia and Liberia”, Kamau said.

There are 9 groups in the CAF qualifiers and the group winners automatically qualify to the finals to be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and United States of America.

Group A: Egypt, Burkina Faso,Guinea Bissau,Sierra Leone, Ethiopia and Djibouti.

Group B: Senegal,Dr Congo, Mauritania,Togo,Sudan,South Sudan.

Group C: Nigeria, South Africa,Benin,Zimbabwe, Rwanda and Lesotho.

Group D: Cameroon, Cape Verde,Angola,Libya,E-Swatini and Mauritius.

Group E: Morocco, Zambia,Congo,Tanzania, Niger and Eritrea.

Group F: Côte D’Ivoire, Gabon, Kenya, Gambia, Burundi, Seychelles.

Group G: Algeria,Guinea, Uganda, Mozambique, Botswana, Somalia.

Group I: Ghana,Mali,Madagascar, Central African Republic, Comoros Island and Chad.