Football Association of Malawi (FAM) risks a hefty fine from CAF following ugly scenes after the 2025 Afcon qualifier between the Flames and Senegal at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Tuesday.
The association, which risks a minimum of $10 000 (about K 20 million), fine is also keeping its fingers crossed that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will not impose further sanctions.
FAM and the Ministry of Youth and Sports have since condemned the nasty scenes.
Some fans threw objects, including glass bottles at the match officials, led by Ethiopian referee Bamlak Tessema Weyesa, as they walked from the pitch to the tunnel in protest against a decision to award the Teranga Lions a late free-kick which saw Sadio Mane scoring the lone goal of the match in the fifth minute of added time.
The referees were forced to stop abruptly as missiles flew from the stands before they run to safety with the help of stewards.
A Senegalese official was also seen handing over a bottle thrown by fans as evidence to match commissioner Obvious Moyo from Botswana.
FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda described the scenes as unfortunate.
He said: “The scenes were regrettable, unfortunately there is very little we can do other than wait for CAF to communicate with us on the penalties.
“Hopefully, there won’t be sanctions.”
Ministry of Youth and Sports spokesperson Macmillan Mwale said: “The violent acts were unfortunate. The rowdy fans put the lives of other spectators at risk. As a ministry, we condemn such behaviour in the strongest terms.
“Obviously, there will be negative effects and we could be banned from hosting such high-profile matches.”
Gunda said they will follow up with security agencies to track down the culprits.
The Flames anchor their group with no point after four straight losses and are out of contention for a slot at the continental showpiece.
Burkina Faso’s Stallions and the Lions of Teranga have since punched their tickets to Morocco from the group with two games to go.
They are tied on 10 points with the Burkinabes at the top courtesy of a better goal difference while Burundi’s Swallows are third with three points earned after their 3-2 victory over Malawi.
