Flames' AFCON Hopes Dim After 3-1 Loss to Burkina Faso
The team now faces an uphill battle to secure one of the qualifying spots from their group.
BAMAKO, Mali— Malawi's national football team, the Flames, suffered a significant setback in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign Tuesday, writes Happy Valirani.
Burkina Faso handed them a 3-1 defeat at the Stade du 26 Mars stadium in Bamako, Mali.
This loss marks Malawi's second consecutive defeat in Group L. The Flames previously fell 3-2 to Burundi in their opening match at home in Lilongwe.
Frank Traore struck twice for Burkina Faso in the 34th and 37th minutes.
Hassane Bandè extended the lead to 3-0 in the 60th minute. Malawi's Zeliat Nkhoma managed a consolation goal in the 79th minute.
Malawi's coach, Patrick General Mabedi, acknowledged his team's shortcomings.
"Our covering was very bad," Mabedi said.
"We dropped too deep, letting Burkina Faso play, which invited problems for ourselves."
The result leaves Malawi without a point after two matches. Burkina Faso now tops Group L with four points, level with Senegal but ahead on goal difference. Burundi sits third with three points.
Mabedi conceded that Malawi's chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco are now slim.
"We have already lost 6 points," he stated. "We are on zero points, while other teams have collected points."
The coach emphasized the need for better preparation in future matches.
"This can be a wake-up call for us," Mabedi added.
"It's important to have proper preparations that can help fix some of the problems before we play another game."
Malawi's defence has been a particular concern, conceding six goals in just two matches.
The team now faces an uphill battle to secure one of the qualifying spots from their group.