Flames
Malawi National Football Team, the Flames got off to a flying start in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers after beating Liberia’s The Lone Stars 1-0 at Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Stadium in Payneville, Monrovia Friday.
This is Flames’ first ever victory in West Africa in 29 outings.
Substitute Chifundo Mphasi was the hero of the night when he scored the famous goal for the Flames in the 77th minute with a powerful shot inside the box.
That was so special from the youngster, who scored his first goal for the senior Flames.
Again, the victory means the Flames are undefeated in open play under the tutelage of Patrick Mabedi since he took over in all competitions.
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In a match streamed on Fifa+, the Flames had lion’s share of possession for the better part of the match but lacked composure especially in the first half.
Coach Patrick Mabedi handed Kamuzu Barracks striker Olson Kanjira a debut in his first ever Flames call-up.
Goalkeeper Brighton Munthali started between the sticks with Stanley Sanudi, Lawrence Chaziya, Dennis Chembezi and Tatenda M’Balaka providing cover at the back.
Mabedi packed the midfield with captain John Banda, Lloyd Aaron, Chimwemwe Idana, Robert Saizi and Lanjesi Nkhoma whereas Kanjira started as a lone striker.
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The first chance of the match fell to Kanjira, who was set up by Chimwemwe Idana but his shot was blocked by Liberia defender in the fifth minute of the match.
Five minutes later, Malawi got another chance after Nkhoma and Saizi exchanged good passes before crossing the ball to Chembezi who miscued his effort as the ball fell in the path of Lawrence Chaziya but the defender blasted it over the bar.
The hosts were forced to make substitution in the 26th minute after Siumaro Mohammed paved the way for Teah Roosevelt.
Six minutes later, Liberia made another change after goalkeeper De Souza Wynney was replaced by Williams Ashley due to injury.
Saizi also had another chance but his effort went over the bar.
The two teams went for recess with a 0-0 scoreline.
After recess, Mabedi brought in Christopher Kumwembe and Wisdom Mpinganjira for Kanjira and Nkhoma.
However, midway in the second half, both teams struggled to play due to rain.
Then Mphasi replaced Saizi.
Meanwhile, the Flames will host Tunisia at Bingu National Stadium on Tuesday in their second match of the qualifiers.
In another Group H match played on Wednesday, Equatorial Guinea defeated Namibia 1-0 in Malabo. As we went to press, Tunisia were in action against Sao Tome and Principe in another Group H match.
Group winners will automatically advance to the 2026 World Cup finals whereas four overall best runners-up will be involved in the play-offs.
Flames line up:
Munthali, Sanudi, Chembezi, Chaziya, M’ balaka, C.J Banda, Aaron, Idana, Saizi (Mphasi), Nkhoma (Mpinganjira, Kanjira (Kumwembe).
