Malawi national football team

Malawi
Nickname(s)The Flames
AssociationFootball Association of Malawi
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
Sub-confederationCOSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coachMario Marinică/Meke Mwase
CaptainLimbikani Mzava
Most capsYoung Chimodzi (159)
Top scorerKinnah Phiri (71)
Home stadiumBingu National Stadium
FIFA codeMWI
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 120 1 (31 March 2022)[1]
Highest53 (December 1992)
Lowest138 (December 2007, March 2008)
First international
 Nyasaland 0–5 Northern Rhodesia 
(Malawi; 1957)
Biggest win
 Malawi 8–1 Botswana 
(Malawi; 13 July 1968)
 Malawi 8–1 Djibouti 
(Blantyre, Malawi; 31 May 2008)
Biggest defeat
 Nyasaland 0–12 Gold Coast 
(Malawi; 15 October 1962)
 Nyasaland 0–12 Ghana 
(Malawi; 12 December 1965)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances3 (first in 1984)
Best resultRound of 16 (2021)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances19 (first in 1997)
Best resultRunners-up (2002, 2003)

The Malawi national football team, nicknamed The Flames, represents Malawi in international football and is controlled by the Football Association of Malawi. Before 1966, they were known as the Nyasaland national football team.

They have qualified for three Africa Cup of Nations, in 1984, 2010 and 2021. They also won the CECAFA Cup in 1978, 1979 and 1988.

History

Malawi first qualified for an African Cup of Nations in 1984, when only eight teams competed in the tournament in Ivory Coast. After a 3-0 defeat against Algeria, World Cup participants in 1982 and 1986, the Malawi drew 2-2 in the second game against eventual finalists Nigeria. With a 0–1 loss against Ghana, Malawi ended the group stage with 1 point at the bottom of the table and was eliminated from the tournament.

After 26 years, Malawi took part in an Africa Cup of Nations again in 2010. The team benefited from the fact that the continental elimination round for the 2010 FIFA World Cup also served as the qualifying round for AFCON. In the group matches of the third round, Malawi, third place behind Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso and with a record of only four points and 4–11 goal difference, was enough to make it to the continental finals.

At the tournament in Angola, Kinnah Phiri's team caused a big surprise. In the first group game, Malawi defeated Algeria, which had qualified for the World Cup, 3-0. One of the goalscorers was striker Russel Mwafulirwa, who at the time was under contract for the Swedish first division club IFK Norrköping and was thus one of only two players in the 23-man squad active in Europe. Malawi lost the second game against hosts Angola, 2-0.

For Malawi to have reached the quarter-finals for the first time, a draw in the last group game would have been enough. However, the team lost 3-1 to Mali. After just three minutes, the Malawians were 2-0 down, a goal from Mwafulirwa did nothing to avert the team's elimination.

Recent results and forthcoming fixtures

Matches in last 12 months, as well as any future scheduled matches.

2021

17 March Friendly Ethiopia  4–0  Malawi Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Stadium: Addis Ababa Stadium
24 March 2021 AFCONQ South Sudan  0–1  Malawi Omdurman, Sudan
16:00 UTC+3 Report
Stadium: Al-Hilal Stadium
Referee: Anthony Ogwayo (Kenya)
29 March 2021 AFCONQ Malawi  1–0  Uganda Lilongwe, Malawi
15:00 UTC+2
Report Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
Referee: Celso Alvação (Mozambique)
13 June Friendly Tanzania  2–0  Malawi Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
16:00 UTC+3
Report Stadium: National Stadium
Referee: Ramadhani Kayoko (Tanzania)
9 July 2021 COSAFA Cup Group B Malawi  2–2  Zimbabwe Port Elizabeth, South Africa
12:00 UTC+2
Report
  • R. Hachiro  45+1'
  • B. Sarupinda 62'
  • A. Mbeba  72'
  • P. Musaka 79'
Stadium: Wolfson Stadium
Referee: Keabetswe Dintwa (Botswana)
11 July 2021 COSAFA Cup Group B Mozambique  2–0  Malawi Port Elizabeth, South Africa
17:00 UTC+2
  • D. Muze  53'
  • V. Vitinho 55' (pen.)  60'
  • Shafiquille  65'
  • F. Simbine 68'
  • E. Siluane  89'
Report
Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Referee: Brighton Chimene (Zimbabwe)
13 July 2021 COSAFA Cup Group B Malawi  1–1  Namibia Port Elizabeth, South Africa
12:00 UTC+2 M. Mhone 73' Report E. Kambindu 53' Stadium: Wolfson Stadium
Referee: Akhona Makalima (South Africa)
14 July 2021 COSAFA Cup Group B Senegal  2–1  Malawi Port Elizabeth, South Africa
12:00 UTC+2
  • Diop 11', 90+1'
  • Ndoye  63'
  • Gueye  76'
Report
Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Referee: Keabetswe Dintwa (Bostswana)
3 September 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification Group D Cameroon  2–0  Malawi Yaoundé, Cameroon
20:00 UTC+1 Report Stadium: Paul Biya Stadium
Referee: Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
7 September 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification Group D Malawi  1–0  Mozambique Johannesburg, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2
Report Stadium: Orlando Stadium
Referee: Souleiman Ahmed Djama (Djibouti)
8 October 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification Group D Malawi  0–3  Ivory Coast Johannesburg, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2 Report Gradel 36'
I. Sangaré 85'
Boga 90+5'
Stadium: Orlando Stadium
Referee: Peter Waweru (Kenya)
13 November 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification Group D Malawi  0–4  Cameroon Johannesburg, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Orlando Stadium
Referee: Issa Sy (Senegal)
16 November 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification Group D Mozambique  1–0  Malawi Cotonou, Benin
14:00 UTC+1
Report Stadium: Stade de l'Amitié
Referee: Hassan Mohamed Hagi (Somalia)
31 December Friendly Comoros  1–2  Malawi Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Report
Stadium: Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium

2022

10 January 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Guinea  1–0  Malawi Bafoussam, Cameroon
Report Stadium: Kouekong Stadium
Referee: Daniel Nili Laryea (Ghana)
14 January 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Malawi  2–1  Zimbabwe Bafoussam, Cameroon
17:00
Report
Stadium: Kouekong Stadium
Referee: Beida Dahane (Mauritania)
18 January 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Malawi  0–0  Senegal Bafoussam, Cameroon
Report Stadium: Kouekong Stadium
Referee: Blaise Yuven Ngwa (Cameroon)
25 January AFCON Round of 16 Morocco  2–1  Malawi Yaoundé, Cameroon
20:00
Report
Stadium: Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium
Referee: Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi)

Coaching staff

[2]

Position Name
Head of Technical Panel, Interim Head Coach Mario Marinică
1st Assistant coach Meck Mwase
2nd Assistant coach Lovemore Fazili
Goalkeeping coach Swadick Sanudi
Fitness coach Bob Mpinganjira
Physiotherapist Chikondi Mandalasi
Team Doctor Dr. Precious Kadzamira
Kit Manager Richard Justin
Technical Manager Clement Kafwafwa

Coaching history

Caretaker coaches are listed in italics

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.[3]

Caps and goals are correct as of 25 January 2022, after the match against Morocco.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
16 1GK Ernest Kakhobwe (1993-06-26) 26 June 1993 27 0 Big Bullets
23 1GK William Thole (1998-10-02) 2 October 1998 5 0 Mighty Wanderers
1 1GK Charles Thomu (1999-01-24) 24 January 1999 2 0 Silver Strikers

2 2DF Stanley Sanudi (1995-02-02) 2 February 1995 67 0 Mighty Wanderers
19 2DF Limbikani Mzava (1993-11-12) 12 November 1993 64 2 AmaZulu
4 2DF Peter Cholopi (1996-08-19) 19 August 1996 30 0 Mighty Wanderers
5 2DF Dennis Chembezi (1997-01-15) 15 January 1997 30 0 Polokwane City
6 2DF Gomezgani Chirwa (1996-09-25) 25 September 1996 19 0 Big Bullets
12 2DF Mark Fodya (1997-12-22) 22 December 1997 5 0 Silver Strikers
15 2DF Lawrence Chaziya (1998-08-19) 19 August 1998 4 0 Civil Service United

17 3MF John Banda (1992-02-06) 6 February 1992 80 7 Songo
7 3MF Micium Mhone (1992-01-19) 19 January 1992 50 4 Blue Eagles
21 3MF Chikoti Chirwa (1992-03-09) 9 March 1992 29 2 Kamuzu Barracks
8 3MF Chimwemwe Idana (1998-09-07) 7 September 1998 31 0 Big Bullets
3 3MF Charles Petro (2001-02-08) 8 February 2001 25 0 Sheriff Tiraspol

11 4FW Gabadinho Mhango (1992-09-27) 27 September 1992 61 15 Orlando Pirates
14 4FW Robin Ngalande (1992-11-02) 2 November 1992 46 2 Saint George
9 4FW Richard Mbulu (1994-01-25) 25 January 1994 38 5 Baroka
20 4FW Yamikani Chester (1994-12-20) 20 December 1994 32 0 Mighty Wanderers
22 4FW Khuda Muyaba (1993-12-26) 26 December 1993 22 4 Polokwane City
13 4FW Peter Banda (2000-09-22) 22 September 2000 18 0 Simba
10 4FW Francisco Madinga (2000-02-11) 11 February 2000 11 0 Dila Gori
18 4FW Zebron Kalima (2002-05-13) 13 May 2002 2 0 Silver Strikers

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up for the team in the last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Brighton Munthali (1997-12-11) 11 December 1997 21 0 Silver Strikers 2021 Africa Cup of Nations RES

DF Paul Ndhlovu (1992-02-18) 18 February 1992 1 0 MAFCO 2021 Africa Cup of Nations RES
DF Norchard Chimbalanga 0 0 MAFCO 2021 Africa Cup of Nations RES
DF Francis Mulimbika (1993-03-27) 27 March 1993 31 0 Mighty Wanderers vs.  Mozambique, 16 November 2021
DF Nickson Mwase (1997-02-20) 20 February 1997 2 0 Silver Strikers vs.  Mozambique, 16 November 2021
DF Nickson Nyasulu (1998-03-03) 3 March 1998 4 0 Mighty Wanderers vs.  Mozambique, 7 September 2021
DF Precious Sambani (1998-05-21) 21 May 1998 24 1 Big Bullets vs.  Tanzania, 13 June 2021
DF Kieran Ngwenya (2002-09-25) 25 September 2002 2 0 Aberdeen vs.  Tanzania, 13 June 2021

MF Gerald Phiri Jr. (1993-06-08) 8 June 1993 49 11 Baroka 2021 Africa Cup of Nations RES
MF Tawonga Chimodzi (1988-08-26) 26 August 1988 21 0 Omonia Aradippou vs.  Mozambique, 16 November 2021
MF Mike Mkwate (1988-05-12) 12 May 1988 7 0 Polokwane City vs.  Mozambique, 16 November 2021
MF Duncan Nyoni (1998-05-18) 18 May 1998 7 0 Silver Strikers vs.  Ivory Coast, 11 October 2021
MF Vitumbiko Kumwenda (1998-09-23) 23 September 1998 1 0 Blue Eeagles 2021 COSAFA Cup
MF Dan Kumwenda (1997-05-17) 17 May 1997 0 0 Mighty Wanderers 2021 COSAFA Cup
MF Chimango Kayira (1993-09-28) 28 September 1993 68 0 Big Bullets vs.  Tanzania, 13 June 2021
MF Rafiq Namwera (1991-10-30) 30 October 1991 15 0 Mighty Wanderers vs.  Tanzania, 13 June 2021
MF Patrick Banda (1996-06-01) 1 June 1996 0 0 Ekwendeni Hammers vs.  Uganda, 29 March 2021

FW Stain Davie (1997-09-23) 23 September 1997 1 0 Silver Strikers 2021 Africa Cup of Nations RES
FW Hassan Kajoke (1997-12-07) 7 December 1997 6 2 Big Bullets vs.  Mozambique, 16 November 2021
FW Lloyd Njaliwa (1998-05-24) 24 May 1998 0 0 Moyale Barracks vs.  Mozambique, 16 November 2021
FW Vincent Nyangulu (1995-07-04) 4 July 1995 4 0 Mighty Wanderers vs.  Ivory Coast, 11 October 2021
FW Schumacher Kuwali (1996-06-27) 27 June 1996 10 0 Songo vs.  Uganda, 29 March 2021

Records

As of 25 January 2022[4]
Players in bold are still active with Malawi.

Competition records

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record FIFA World Cup qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
1930 Part of  United Kingdom Part of  United Kingdom
1934
1938
1950
1954
1958
1962
1966 Did not enter Did not enter
1970
1974
1978 Did not qualify 2 0 0 2 0 5
1982 2 0 1 1 1 4
1986 4 2 0 2 5 2
1990 8 2 3 3 6 6
1994 Withdrew Withdrew
1998 Did not qualify 2 0 0 2 0 4
2002 8 1 2 5 6 12
2006 12 2 4 6 15 27
2010 12 5 1 6 18 16
2014 6 1 4 1 4 5
2018 2 1 0 1 1 2
2022 832347
2026 To be determined To be determined
Total 0/22 0 0 0 0 0 0 66 17 17 32 60 90

Africa Cup of Nations

Africa Cup of Nations record Africa Cup of Nations qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
1957 Part of  United Kingdom Part of  United Kingdom
1959
1962
1963
1965 Not affiliated to CAF Not affiliated to CAF
1968
1970
1972
1974Did not enterDid not enter
1976 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 4 9
1978 2 0 1 1 3 4
1980 4 1 0 3 6 7
1982 2 0 1 1 1 2
1984 Group stage 7th 3 0 1 2 2 6 Squad 4 3 1 0 6 2
1986 Did not qualify 2 0 2 0 2 2
1988 2 0 0 2 1 4
1990 4 1 2 1 5 4
1992 4 0 1 3 3 9
1994 6 2 1 3 4 7
1996 6 1 3 2 6 7
1998 6 3 0 3 9 10
2000 2 1 0 1 2 2
2002 2 0 0 2 2 5
2004 4 1 0 3 3 10
2006 12 2 4 6 15 27
2008 4 1 0 3 2 6
2010 Group stage 11th 3 1 0 2 4 5 Squad 6 4 0 2 14 5
2012 Did not qualify 8 2 6 0 13 8
2013 4 1 0 3 4 6
2015 6 2 1 3 5 9
2017 6 2 1 3 5 9
2019 6 1 2 3 2 6
2021 Round of 16 13th 4 1 1 2 3 4 Squad 6 3 1 2 4 5
2023 To be determined To be determined
2025
Total Round of 16 3/33 10 2 2 6 9 15 110 31 28 51 121 165

African Games

Football at the African Games has been an under-23 tournament since 1991.
African Games record
Year Result Pld W D L GF GA
1965Did not qualify
1973Did not qualify
19784th5005211
19873rd531184
1991–present See Malawi national under-23 football team
Total2/4103161015

Gossage Cup / CECAFA Cup

CECAFA Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA

COSAFA Cup

COSAFA Cup record
Year Rank Pld W D L GF GA
1997 0000000
1998 0000000
1999 0000000
2000 0000000
2001 0000000
2002 0000000
2003 0000000
2004 0000000
2005 0000000
2006 0000000
2007 0000000
2008 0000000
2009 0000000
2013 0000000
2015 0000000
2016 0000000
2017 0000000
2018 0000000
2019 0000000
Total 0/19 ------

Head-to-head record

As of 17 November 2019 after match against  Uganda[5]

  Positive Record   Neutral Record   Negative Record

Opponent
Pld
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
 Algeria7214613−7
 Angola9333810−2
 Benin2101110
 Botswana2512854721+26
 Burkina Faso401337−4
 Burundi302146−2
 Cameroon9144613−7
 Chad63121510+5
 Comoros430153+2
 Congo200213−2
 Djibouti4400171+16
 DR Congo1033489−1
 Egypt10325814−6
 Eritrea110032+1
 Eswatini27111154021+19
 Ethiopia11362119+2
 Gabon110020+2
 Ghana6015017−17
 Guinea7133710−3
 Ivory Coast6114712−5
 Kenya471918106146+15
 Lesotho2013434312+31
 Liberia301202−2
 Libya301235−2
 Madagascar102171221−9
 Mali511358−3
 Mauritius2011543119+12
 Morocco10136315−12
 Mozambique31121183429+5
 Namibia154381520−5
 Nigeria8026920−11
 Réunion110082+6
 Rwanda9522169+7
 Senegal310257−2
 Seychelles110030+3
 Sierra Leone4310145+9
 Somalia330062+4
 South Africa13139520−15
 South Sudan210112−1
 Sudan321061+5
 Tanzania551725136252+10
 Togo321031+2
 Tunisia7232816−8
 Uganda3189143239−7
 Yemen100101−1
 Zambia7919174368170−102
 Zanzibar1512213410+24
 Zimbabwe641821256082−22
Total620212182226746798−52

Honours

COSAFA Cup :
CECAFA Cup :
All Africa Games :
  • 1 Third Place (1987)

References

  1. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 31 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  2. "Malawi coach Meck Mwase demoted, Marinica to take charge at Afcon, December 5th, 2021 - Malawi24.com". 5 December 2021.
  3. "Flames Technical Panel has named the final squad". Facebook. Football Association of Malawi. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  4. Mamrud, Roberto. "Malawi - Record International Players". RSSSF.
  5. "World Football Elo Ratings: Malawi". Elo Ratings. Retrieved 15 July 2017.
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