Malawi's national youth teams have been drawn against regional rivals at the 2026 Region 5 Youth Games, set to take place in Mozambique from December 4. The country's Under-17 football teams, Under-20 netball side, and basketball and volleyball teams will compete in various events. This year's tournament will provide a platform for emerging players to gain international experience and serve as a qualifying competition for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
Malawi's women's Under-17 national football team has been drawn in Group C alongside South Africa, former tournament winners, and Botswana. The Junior Flames are seeking an improved performance in Maputo after their 4–1 defeat to South Africa in a decisive group fixture at the previous tournament. The team's draw pits them against experienced opponents, requiring a strong strategy to progress.
In netball, the Malawi Under-20 national team, known as the Baby Queens, has been drawn in Pool A alongside Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. The team will be hoping to progress from their group and make an impression at the tournament. A tough draw against regional rivals will test the team's skills and teamwork.
The draws were also conducted for the basketball and volleyball competitions. Malawi's women's 3×3 basketball team has been drawn in Pool A alongside hosts Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The men's team will face Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Eswatini in Group A. Both the men's and women's standard basketball competitions will be played in a round-robin format.
Volleyball will feature two events: beach volleyball and indoor volleyball. In indoor volleyball, Malawi's men will compete against Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Botswana, while the women will face South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana. The inclusion of beach volleyball adds variety to the tournament, providing more opportunities for athletes to compete.
Malawi was represented at Saturday's draw by officials from the AUSC Region 5 Secretariat and Regional Organising Committee, including Lusungu Banda and Chisomo Masamba. Chief of Mission Funny Mbabalo Phiri and team manager Ambilike Mwaungulu also attended the event. Their presence highlights the country's commitment to participating in the tournament.
The 2026 Region 5 Youth Games will provide a valuable experience for Malawi's youth teams, helping them prepare for future international competitions. The tournament's outcome will also have implications for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations. Key matchups and team performances will be closely watched.
Key points
- Malawi's Under-17 football teams, Under-20 netball side, and basketball and volleyball teams have been drawn against regional rivals at the 2026 Region 5 Youth Games.
- The tournament will serve as a qualifying competition for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
- Malawi's teams face tough draws in their respective events, requiring strong strategies to progress.
