Malawi can still qualify for AFCON despite Egypt, Angola draw

Mohamed Salah bassing the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers football match between Egypt and Malawi at the 30 June Stadium on March 24, 2023 in Cairo, Egypt (Photo by Ahmed Awaad/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Former Flames captain Elvis Kafoteka believes Malawi has a realistic chance of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite being drawn in a difficult Group B alongside Angola, Egypt, and South Sudan.

Kafoteka, who was part of the Malawi squad that qualified for the 2010 AFCON, says coach Kallisto Pasuwa must select players on merit and ensure the team prepares adequately for the qualifiers.

“Take players on merit. With good preparations, with that, we can get a qualification. We just need to force a win against Egypt at home the same as Angola then beat South Sudan home and away, I see us qualifying,” he said.

Another former Flames star, Chiukepo Msowoya, who scored the decisive goal against Egypt during the 2008 AFCON qualifiers to help Malawi reach the tournament, described the draw as difficult and called for serious preparations.

“Oh, we have been drawn against Angola and Egypt? Shaa, this is bad. Which other country?” Msowoya reacted when this Bola reporter called him.

He continued, “Sudan has improved; it is not an easy team, we have to sweat to get points. Don’t talk about Angola and Egypt. We need proper planning.”

Msowoya also urged coach Pasuwa to organise his squad properly if Malawi is to stand a chance of qualifying.

“Pasuwa [Kallisto] should put his house in order. We need good preparations, serious and focused. Players should fight for Pasuwa and FAM president plus Malawians, it is possible,” he said.

The 2027 AFCON will be held across three countries: Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. The qualifiers will kick off on 21 September 2026.