Malawi’s head coach, Patrick Mabedi, replaced Gabadihno Mhango with Zanaco FC striker Chawanangwa Kaonga five minutes into the second half, with Malawi trailing Zambia 2-1 on Tuesday afternoon.

Mhango appeared enraged by the decision and went straight to the dressing room rather than remaining on the bench, which surprised many.

The Moroka Swallows striker was given a second chance after being dropped by Mabedi last year during the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches against Liberia and Tunisia for disciplinary reasons.

The 31-year-old had a quiet game and when he was on his way to the dressing room, some fans could be heard shouting that he should not play for the Flames again

“Udatha iwe [you’re finished],” fans shouted from the terraces, prompting a barrage of social media criticism against the striker, who has 15 goals in 58 appearances for Malawi.

Mabedi defends Gaba

When asked about Mhnago’s actions, Mabedi stated that Malawians should not mix salt and sugar, implying that there was nothing wrong with what Mhango had done.

“I need to make it clear here: anyone who comes in, we shake hands, and he [Mhango] did that; he is the professional, stated Mabedi. ” I don’t see any problem because when you get there, other players feel comfortable [sat at the beach].

“In Europe, players do change the kit at halftime; here, we cannot do that as we do not have enough kit. Maybe he wanted to change the jersey and we give that freedom to players to change. Let’s not mix salt and sugar,” he said.

Mhango had no shot on goal during his time on the pitch, but that changed when Malawi made substitutions.

He also failed to impress in Malawi’s 4-0 loss to Kenya and was replaced.

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