Pasuwa warns Malawi against underrating Zambia

Malawi national team coach Kalisto Pasuwa has warned his players against underrating Zambia in the Four Nations Tournament opener in Botswana on Saturday.

The Zimbabwean told the Football Association of Malawi media that the Flames should learn from their shock 1-0 loss to São Tomé and Príncipe last October in the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches for Africa.

Four teams. One battle. One trophy.

Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi and Zambia are ready to battle it out in Francistown.#PrideReignited #Bayawabaya pic.twitter.com/1TLkzRLqkq

— Zimbabwe Football Association (@online_zifa) March 17, 2026

Pasuwa said the Flames need to treat the Chipolopolo with due respect irrespective of who will wear the jersey.

Why Pasuwa wants the Flames to treat Zambia carefully

“Everyone knows that Zambia has been one of the powerhouses of football in Southern Africa,” he said.

“We are preparing ourselves not to say it is Zambia. We don’t even care to say they are bringing local guys. What we know is that we are playing against Zambia. The moment we put the mind that we are playing against locally based players, it becomes an issue.”

Malawi seek to learn from shock loss to São Tomé and Príncipe

The former Warriors mentor recalled how Malawi got the shock of their lives during the World Cup qualifiers when they beat Namibia only to be brought down to earth by São Tomé and Príncipe.

“Remember, last time we played against São Tomé and Príncipe, we went there with that mindset and switched off that we had won last time against them.

[Now] we are playing against Zambia and we must make sure we raise our heads up,” he said.

During a draw held earlier in the week, the Flames were paired against Zambia while the hosts will face Zimbabwe at the invitational tournament. Financial services firm Mukuru is sponsoring the weeklong competition.