By Burnett Munthali
Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has praised the national football team, the Flames, for their impressive performance in their recent match against Burkina Faso. The match, which was crucial in the race for a spot in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, saw the Flames triumph with a commanding 3-0 victory.
Although the win was a significant achievement for the Flames, it was not enough to secure a place in the 2025 AFCON competition, which will take place in Morocco. The team’s performance throughout the qualifiers, under the guidance of coach Patrick Mabedi, has faced challenges, and the Flames have struggled to maintain consistency in their matches.
Despite the setback in terms of qualification, President Chakwera expressed optimism about the team’s potential. He lauded the Flames for their determination and hard work, emphasizing that the victory over Burkina Faso demonstrated their capability to perform at the highest level. Chakwera encouraged the players and coaching staff to remain focused on their development, as they continue to build for future international competitions.
“Although we will not be participating in the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, the performance we witnessed against Burkina Faso is a clear indication of the potential and talent that resides within this team,” said President Chakwera. “This victory is a step forward in our journey, and I am confident that with continued dedication and hard work, the Flames will rise to greater heights in future tournaments.”
The match against Burkina Faso gave Malawians hope that the Flames can still achieve success on the continental stage, even though they will not be part of the upcoming AFCON. The Flames will now turn their focus to improving their performance in other competitions, with the aim of making a stronger impact in the future.
In conclusion, President Chakwera’s words of encouragement serve as a reminder that the Flames have the potential to achieve greatness, and the victory against Burkina Faso should be seen as a building block toward future success in African football.