After defeating Burkina Faso 3-0 in Malawi, the Flames of Malawi concluded their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a victory.
Gabadinho Mhango’s strike from outside the penalty box gave Malawi the lead in the 28th minute. Richard Mbulu’s header put them ahead 2-0 in the 57th minute, and Lloyd Aaron’s goal in the 72nd gave them a third.
The visitors will advance as Group L winners despite the loss as they finished second with 10 points, while Senegal, who will face Burundi today, leads with 13 points.
Despite their country’s elimination, Malawians will be pleased with the result after the team set a record in Lilongwe by defeating Burkina Faso, ranked 62nd in the FIFA Rankings, for the first time. The only result Malawi could muster was a draw in 2020.
The fact that their interim technical bench, which is headed by Zimbabwean coach Kalisto Pasuwa, has started work without losing will also please Malawians.
Pasuwa took the place of Patrick Mabedi, who had conceded 11 goals and lost all four of his AFCON qualifiers before he was sacked.
Following a road draw with Burundi last week, Pasuwa defeated Burkina on Monday in his debut home match.
“I am happy with my boys; we played to give something to Malawians, though we are out of the competition,” Pasuwa said.
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