FLAMES BEGIN AFCON CAMPAIGN WITH SOUTH SUDAN VICTORY

Malawi’s senior national football team, the Flames, have made a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign after beating South Sudan 2-1 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Friday.

The victory gives Malawi an early advantage in Group B as the Flames begin their campaign to qualify for the continental tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027.

The Flames took the lead in the 20th minute through Adepoju, going into the half-time break with a 1-0 advantage.

Malawi then maintained their pressure after the break and eventually secured a 2-1 victory over the visitors.

The result marks an important start for coach Kalisto Pasuwa, who had urged his charges to approach the opening fixture with the right mentality and avoid underestimating South Sudan.

Ahead of the match, Pasuwa also called on Malawians to turn up in large numbers and support the team, particularly the younger players who are entering the national-team environment.

The Flames had previously faced South Sudan during the 2021 AFCON qualifiers, winning both home and away matches by 1-0. Malawi subsequently qualified for the 2021 tournament in Cameroon, where they reached the Round of 16 for the first time.

Malawi missed the following two AFCON editions and will now be hoping to return to the continental showpiece through the 2027 qualifying campaign.

The Flames will next face Angola away from home as they continue their Group B campaign.