Malawi FA spoils Flames players for beating Burkina Faso

Photo Credit: Football Association of Malawi

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) hosted the Flames to a dinner party in appreciation of their 3-0 win over Burkina Faso in an academic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group L qualifier on Monday.

Speaking at the dinner in Lilongwe, FAM president Fleetwood Haiya saluted the team for beating the Stallions for the first time-ever in all competitions to finish the AFCON qualifying race on a high with a first win in six games. The FA boss further assured the team that their continued success will lead to greater rewards going into next year’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers for Africa.

“A special shout out to the team for finishing the group stage on a high though we didn't qualify but the future looks bright,” Haiya said.

Flames skipper John Banda hailed the FA for the gesture saying it has motivated the players to work harder. Malawi eased past a depleted Burkina Faso courtesy of goals from South Africa’s Marumo Gallants FC striker Gabadinho Mhango, Costa do Sol’s Richard Mbulu and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ Lloyd Aaron to torch celebrations at a packed Bingu National Stadium.

The Flames finished bottom of the group with four points, six points behind the already qualified Stallions. Group leaders Senegal (13 points) along with Burkina Faso booked their tickets to the AFCON finals in October.