The Malawi National Football Team, also known as the Flames, will launch their 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification campaign against South Sudan's Bright Stars at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe. This match marks the beginning of their journey in Group B. Coach Kallisto Pasuwa, who took charge of the Flames in November 2024, is under pressure to deliver a positive start. His current record with the team stands at seven wins, five draws, and eight defeats from 20 matches.
Pasuwa has promised an attacking approach but has warned his team against being exposed on the counterattack by South Sudan. During a press conference at BNS, he emphasized the importance of focus and cautioned that teams regarded as small can be dangerous. He highlighted the need for his team to be offensive while being careful not to be caught on counterattacks. The coach's primary target is to qualify for the 2027 Afcon, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The Flames have been hit by injuries ahead of the Group B encounter. Mozambique-based UD Songo forward Richard Mbulu and midfielder Jorden Kananga, who plays for Zacatepec FC of Mexico, have been ruled out due to injuries. Pasuwa confirmed that Mbulu has a groin injury, while Kananga has an ankle sprain. However, he expressed confidence that the remaining players are ready and eager to play.
Stand-in captain Charles Petro emphasized the importance of executing the coach's plans. He believes that the team needs to focus and play their part to achieve a positive result. Petro's sentiments reflect the team's determination to start their qualification campaign on a high note.
South Sudan coach Seseko N'sengi-Biembe is equally confident of a positive result in his first match in charge. He acknowledged that preparations have not been easy due to the ongoing league but expressed his team's motivation to win. N'sengi-Biembe trusts in the quality of his players and believes that being viewed as underdogs could work in their favor.
South Sudan captain Peter Maker, who faced Malawi in the 2021 Afcon qualifiers, believes that the Bright Stars can upset the Flames. He noted that his team has good players and is ready to get a good result. Maker emphasized that there are no big or small teams in football and that the team that needs the win more will ultimately succeed.
After hosting South Sudan, the Flames will head to Angola on October 6 for their next match. The team's performance in these matches will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Afcon. The Flames' coach and players are focused on achieving a positive result and making a strong start to their qualification campaign.
Key points
- Coach Kallisto Pasuwa is under pressure to deliver a positive start in the Flames' 2027 Afcon qualification campaign.
- The Flames have been hit by injuries, with Richard Mbulu and Jorden Kananga ruled out of the match against South Sudan.
- South Sudan coach Seseko N'sengi-Biembe is confident of a positive result in his first match in charge, despite being viewed as underdogs.
