Malawi National Football Team wrapped up the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations ( Afcon) qualifiers on high note following a 3-0 impressive victory over Burkina Faso at Bingu National Stadium on Monday.
The Flames went into the match looking to restore pride following four consecutive defeats in the Afcon qualifiers.
And the Flames did not disappoint the home crowd and delivered an impressive performance as they registered their first win in the 2025 Afcon qualifiers.
This is also Flames first win against Burkina Faso in all competitions having lost five and drawn two previous matches in all competitions.
Experienced strikers Frank Gabadinho Mhango and Richard Mbulu scored a goal each before midfielder Lloyd Aaron sealed the victory for the Flames.
Following the victory, the Flames have finished the Afcon qualifiers with four points from six matches.
The Flames shared the spoils with Burundi following a goal-less stalemate in Ivory Coast last Thursday. Burundi are scheduled to face Senegal in their last Group L match in Dakar, Senegal on Tuesday.
Without the suspended trio of captain John Banda, defenders Dennis Chembezi and Macdonald Lameck due to yellow cards suspension, Flames interim Coach Kalisto Pasuwa made changes to the starting line up that played against Burundi.
Gomezgani Chirwa, Nickson Mwase and Aaron were in the starting line up alongside Patrick Mwaungulu, who started ahead of Lanjesi Nkhoma, who was on the bench.
Winger Wisdom Mpinganjira replaced Gaddie Chirwa after the latter sustained an injury during warm up.
The Flames dominated the proceedings as they exchanged good passes. But Mhango broke the deadlock in the 27th minutes after a good pass from Mwaungulu.
Mbulu came close to doubling Flames lead in the first half but his attempt went wide before Mhango’s long range shot went over the bar.
After recess, Burkina Faso pressed hard for the equaliser but the Flames were solid at the back. Mbulu doubled Flames lead for the Flames with a good header following a delivery from Aaron.
Aaron ensured three points for the Flames with the third goal of the match. Mwaungulu struck the wood work after a good pass from Mhango.
Mbulu paved the way for Lloyd Njaliwa in the 76th minute before Maxwell Paipi was introduced for Singo. Towards the end of the match, Mpinganjira paved the way for Chawanangwa Kaonga.
The visitors tried to reorganise themselves but Malawi held on for the first points in the qualifiers.
After the match, Pasuwa was delighted with the first win.
“A good game that we played with intensity despite having training for few days. The boys responded very well. They were very solid throughout the match which is very commendable for the boys,” said Pasuwa.
Burkina Faso Coach Brama Traore, whose side suffered a second consecutive defeat, said his side missed some of the key players.
” Congratulations to the Flames , they played wel. It was very difficult match. Last time, we played them in Bamako, they were without some players. On the other hand, we missed some of our key players,” said Traore.
The Flames will now turn focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled to resume in March next year.
Flames line up: William Thole, Gomezgani Chirwa, Nickson Mwase, Charles Petro ( captain), Alick Lungu, Yankho Singo ( Maxwell Paipi), Lloyd Aaron, Patrick Mwaungulu, Wisdom Mpinganjira ( Chawanangwa Kaonga)Richard Mbulu ( Lloyd Njaliwa), Frank Gabadinho Mhango.
