World Cup (Q): Malawi versus Equatorial Guinea fixture cancelled

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has confirmed the cancellation of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture against Equatorial Guinea which was slated for Thursday.

A statement from FAM confirmed the latest development: “The FAM wishes to inform the general public that the FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Malawi and Equatorial Guinea, which was scheduled for today (Thursday), at 18:00hrs at Bingu National Stadium, will not take place due to unforeseen travel complications affecting the visiting team.”

The Flames currently sit fourth in Group H with 10 points, and they still have a mathematical possibility of finishing second — provided Namibia (who occupy second place with 15 points from eight games) lose their final two fixtures against Liberia and Tunisia.

Speaking earlier on, Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa revealed their readiness to face Equatorial Guinea without the services of suspended captain Gabadinho Mhango.

“By yesterday, we had most of the players we called up. The guys are okay — we trained the day before yesterday and they responded well. These are players who are eager to do more for the National Team,” said Pasuwa as quoted by FAM website.

“From their response and the way they are training, we need to rectify the areas we didn’t do well last time, like conceding early goals. We have been emphasising that we must perform well in each and every game.

“Remember, these are World Cup Qualifiers where teams are evaluated based on FIFA rankings — that’s why we’re putting in much effort. “We wanted to try new players, but we will do so with results in mind. So far, so good — the players are doing well.”

Apart from Mhango, England-based defender Jubril Adesope Okedina had already been ruled out for both matches against Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé & Príncipe due to injury.