Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, will step onto the turf of Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium this evening against Liberia in a Group H opener of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers with hope of exorcising the demons that have haunted them since 1980 in West Africa.
The odds are stacked against the Flames, having failed to win a match in 29 outings in West and Central Africa.
In their last outing to West Africa, the Flames lost 1-0 to Guinea in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at General Lansana Conte Stadium in June last year.
There is renewed hope in the Flames squad as they are yet to lose a match in all competitions under the tutelage of Patrick Mabedi in open play.
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However, this could be the biggest test for Mabedi and his troops since he was officially appointed Flames coach on a two-year deal.
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Heading into this tie, the Flames need to be brave and show great character to get a positive result.
For starters, meetings between the two sides have been rare.
The Lone Stars of Liberia are unbeaten against Malawi in the last three matches. In the most recent match, the Flames lost 1-0 at the same venue in an international friendly in 2012.
Liberia also beat Malawi 1-0 in 1989 before a goalless goal at Kamuzu Stadium the same year.
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After a poor campaign in the Afcon qualifiers, both teams will be looking to start the World Cup qualifiers on a high.
The Flames finished the Afcon qualifiers with a 2-2 stalemate against Guinea at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) whereas the Lone Stars of Liberia lost 3-0 to Morocco.
While the Flames are without a loss under Mabedi, Liberia have lost four matches on the bounce in all competitions. Again, they are without a win in the last seven matches, with five losses and two draws.
In addition, Liberia have also lost four consecutive home matches. They registered a 3-1 win over Central African Republic in the World Cup qualifiers back in 2021.
Despite the poor record in the West Africa, Mabedi believes the Flames are ready for a dream start in the qualifiers.
“I think it is time for us to win in West Africa. We need to treat this match as important. We need to take the match as a cup final for us,” Mabedi said.
He will be without striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango after he missed his flight whereas Frank Willard and Chawanangwa Kaonga are nursing injuries.
But Mabedi has several options as captain John Banda, Stanley Sanudi, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Dennis Chembezi, Chimwemwe Idana and Brighton Munthali are available for the match.
Former Flames midfielder Peterkins Kayira believes the Flames can get a positive result.
“We need to approach the game seriously. The best way to defend is to attack,” Kayira said.
The match kicks off at 6pm. The Flames will host Tunisia at BNS on Tuesday.
HEAD TO HEAD
1989: Liberia 1 Malawi 0
1989: Malawi 0 Liberia 0
2012: Liberia 1 Malawi 0
