Malawi to host Zambia, 2 others

Malawi will this month host a four-nation tournament involving the Flames and three visiting national football teams,  including neighbouring Zambia.

The other two teams in the fray are Harambee Stars of Kenya and Zimbabwe’s  Warriors.

The tournament will also incorporate under-20  teams from the participating countries.

The four-nation tournament will be held at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe during the Fifa international break window from March 18-26, according to a joint statement from the countries’ football associations.

The statement reads in part: “The football associations of Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe are pleased to announce that our four nations have agreed to hold joint football tournaments during the upcoming Fifa international window between 18-26 March 2024 in Lilongwe, Malawi.

“The first tournament will feature the senior men’s national teams [A-teams] of our four countries. This tournament presents a valuable opportunity for our national teams to face quality opposition in preparation for upcoming 2026 Fifa World Cup and 2025 Afcon qualifying campaigns.”

The joint statement says the Under-20 tournament will help their teams prepare for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Under-20 qualifiers.

Reads the statement further: “Additionally, a concurrent youth tournament for our Under-20 national teams will take place during the same period.

“By bringing together the best young players from across our countries, these Under-20 tournaments will aid in developing and exposing elite youth talent while preparing teams for upcoming 2024 Afcon Under-20 qualifiers later this year.

“Our four nations are committed to collaborating for the advancement of football development and transformation across the region. We believe hosting these joint tournaments will build camaraderie between our nations, provide high-level competition for our players, and elevate youth football programs across Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.”

Football Association of Malawi general secretary Alfred Gunda said the details of the tournament such as the format will be relased later.

Meanwhile, the Flames and the Under-20 national football teams are expected to camp on Monday in preparation for the competition.

The mini-tournament will be the first competition involving senior teams for Malawi to host since 1988 when the country hosted the East and Central Africa Senior Challenge Cup which the Flames won after beating Zambia 3-1 in the final at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

Meanwhile, Football analyst Charles Nyirenda has said hosting the tournament is a boost for Malawi football.

“Apart from preparing for the forthcoming competitions, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nation as well as 2026 World Cup qualifier, the Four-Nation Tournament will also help expose Malawi football to the region,” he said.

The 2026 World Cup qualifers will resume in June while the 2025 Afcon qualifiers  group stages are set for September to November 2024.