Whipping boys
The Flames last night ended Match Day 2 as whipping boys in the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group L with a 3-1 defeat to hosts Burkina Faso at the neutral March 26 Stadium in Bamako, Mali.
The game monitored on MBC Television was a replica of the Malawi National Football Team’s Group L opening qualifier at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe against Burundi as they lacked acumen to fight at the top level.
Coach Patrick Mabedi made one change as he benched Gomezgani Chirwa and opted for Lawrence Chaziya in defence.
There was not much to write about the impact of the change as the Flames still displayed lack of coordination at the
back between Chaziya, Nickson Mwase, Dennis Chembezi and goalkeeper George Chikooka.
The central midfield of Chimwemwe Idana and Lloyd Aaron was also outmanoeuvred by Burkina Faso’s while wingers Yamikani Chester and Lanjesi Nkhoma did not come to the party when the hosts were on the offensive.
Burkina Faso capitalised on Malawi’s shortfalls as they sent long balls between Chikooka and his centre backs, which caused a lot of problems.
From the start, The Stallions’ intent was clear as in the third minute when they hit the post, but Chikooka recovered in time to stop the rebound.
The Flames, who opted to soak the pressure and respond through quick counterattacks, had their closest chance when Chawanangwa Kaonga’s hard and low free-kick bounced off Stallions goalkeeper Hervé Koffi.
Eventually, two quick goals from Lassina Traore in the first half unruffled the Flames further.
The forward headed in low past Chikooka in 35th minute after a fine counterattack left Chaziya and Mwase failing to clear a cross.
He then doubled the lead just three minutes later, capitalising on a lost ball from the midfielder Aaron.
Traole shielded the ball from Chaziya and Mwase, before beating Chikooka who left his line to save the situation.
After recess, Malawi could have reduced the deficit, but Idana’s shot was too weak to make a difference.
The hosts made it 3-0 in the 60th minute through Boureima Hassane Bandé from the spot
after Chaziya handled the ball while trying to clear a Traore goal-bound shot.
But substitute Zeliatt Nkhoma, who replaced Chifundo Mphasi, scored the consolation in the 80th minute after capitalising on a mix up in Burkina Faso defence.
However, the hosts cruised to a victory that has propelled them to the top with four point level with second-placed Senegal but with a better goal difference.
Burundi are third with three points while the Flames are stuck at the bottom with no point.
