Malawi national football team, the Flames got off to a bad start in the 2025 Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier following a 3-2 home defeat to Burundi at Bingu National Stadium on Thursday.
Midfielder Chimwemwe Idana scored an own goal when he headed past his Goalkeeper George Chikooka while trying to clear a ball from Ntibazonkiza Saidi’s head in the 22nd minute.
But Chawanangwa Kaonga pulled the Flames level from a free kick in the 31st minute. Kaonga fired a powerful shot past the Burundi human wall beating goalkeeper Matteo Nkuruzinza.
However, the visitors restored the lead two minutes later through Jean Claude Girumungisha, with tap in after Flames defence was caught napping.
The Flames tried to reorganise themselves as Idana had a chance to level the score but his effort went over the bar.
The visitors held for a slender 2-1 lead at the break. After recess, the Flames upped the game looking for the equaliser.
Flames coach Patrick Mabedi made a double substitution when he brought in Patrick Mwaungulu and Robert Saizi for Yamikani Chester and Idana.
Lanjesi Nkhoma pulled the Flames level with an intelligent header. Nkhoma showed great composure as headed the ball past Nkuruzinza for the leveler.
But the match looked destined for a draw but Mokono Eldino scored the winner with three minutes to full time.
In post match interview, Flames coacj Patrick Mabedi was disappointed with the loss.
” It was not the result we wanted. The performance was very bad. But the loss to Burundi is water under the bridge, we have to focus on the game against Burkina Faso,” said Mabedi.
Burundi coach Ndayiragije Etienne said his players deserved the victory.
” It was not an easy game but my boys executed the game plan well,” said Etienne.
The victory over Flames means Burundi are top of Group L with three points from one game. Senegal will host Burkina Faso in another Group L match on Friday night.
The Flames will face Burkina Faso away in Bamako, Mali in the second match of Group L on Tuesday.
On the other hand, Burundi will host Senegal at BNS on Monday.
Malawi line Up: George Chikooka, Stanley Sanudi, Gomezgani Chirwa, Dennis Chembezi, Lloyd Aaron, Nickson Mwase, Chimwemwe Idana (Robert Saizi 68′), Chawanangwa Kaonga, Chifundo Mphasi, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Yamikani Chester (Patrick Mwaungulu 68′).
