Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, open their instalment against Burundi in the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers at Bingu National Stadium this afternoon.
This is a crucial match for the Flames as a win would boost the team’s chances of qualifying for the 2025 Afcon finals to be staged in Morocco.
However, Burundi are a tough nut to crack after they have shown some great improvements in recent matches.
On top of that, Burundi are unbeaten against the Flames in three matches.
Meetings between Burundi and Malawi have been rare.
However, Burundi beat Malawi 4-2 in 1987 but two matches ended in 1-1 stalemates the same year.
The Flames have been inconsistent, having lost three of four matches in all competitions. They are coming from a 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea and 3-1 win over Sao Tome and Principe in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June this year.
Again, the Flames lost 4-0 and 2-1 to Kenya and Zambia, respectively, during the Four Nations Tournament in March.
Having failed to qualify for the 2023 Afcon finals in Ivory Coast after managing five points in six matches, pressure will be on the Flames to start the qualifiers on a high.
Like Malawi, Burundi are inconsistent having only won one game and registering three losses and two draws in six matches. Burundi beat Seychelles 3-1 in the Fifa World Cup qualifiers after a 1-1 draw against Kenya.
After studying Burundi’s recent matches, Flames coach Patrick Mabedi said the team had a tough task when they face Burundi.
“Burundi are a very good team and we are underdogs. They have a lot of energy but they also have weaknesses so we just need to do our best to beat them,” he said.
Mabedi said the Flames were struggle against Burundi due to poor preparations.
“We came a bit late. I think it was not enough but we have to move on. I wish and pray that, in future, we have to adjust and prepare well because we have a task to win home games,” he said.
Flames captain John Banda said the players were geared for the clash.
“We know what is at stake so we want to utilise home ground advantage,” Banda said.
The Flames will be without Brighton Munthali due to injury. Midfielder Yamikani Chester is back into the Flames fold.
Burundi coach Etienne Ndayiragije has assembled a strong squad comprising experience and young and up-and-coming players. Bienvenue Kanakimana, Matteo Nkurunziza and Jonathan Nahimana are also available for this afternoon’s clash.
The Flames will travel to Bamako, Mali, for the clash against Burkina Faso on Tuesday whereas Burundi will host Senegal at BNS.
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