Spanish second-tier side Club Deportivo Leganes, which has started wearing a uniform branded with Malawi’s ‘The Warm Heart of Africa’ logo on the front of the jersey, drew 2-2 against Levante on Sunday.
This was the first match since the team reached an agreement with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife to promote Malawi.
During the match, Jose Campana put Levante in the lead when he converted a penalty in the 28th minute.
However, Jose Arnaiz equalised four minutes later before completing his brace in the 63rd minute.
Levante had other ideas when Robert Ibanez equalised in the 93rd minute.
Leganes lie on position eight with 34 points from 24 games while Levante are third with 41 points from 24 matches.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife Michael Usi said Leganes will help attract tourists to Malawi.
“This is a milestone because Malawi is being promoted. Leganes play in the second-tier but it is one of the followed leagues across the world and we hope tourists will be attracted to tour Malawi,” he said.
The “Malawi, The Warm Heart of Africa” message will appear on the team’s shirt for other matches until next month.
The partnership follows the meeting between President Lazarus Chakwera and Club President Jeff Luhnow in September last year with the aim to begin to strengthen ties and begin the search for opportunities and talent in football.
This is the first time “Malawi, The Warm Heart of Africa” logo will be displayed on front of the shirt of a top team. The agreement is likely to boost the tourism industry.
