Malawi’s national football team coach, Patrick Mabedi, is looking to restore the team’s pride as they prepare to face Senegal in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Bingu National Stadium on Tuesday. Coming off a demoralizing 4-0 defeat to Senegal in Dakar just four days ago, the Flames have their backs against the wall but are determined to deliver a better performance on home soil.
The upcoming match holds significance for Malawi beyond just points, as it coincides with the country’s Mothers Day celebrations.
Mabedi has made it clear that the team intends to give the local fans something to cheer about, despite their slim chances of advancing to next year’s AFCON finals.
After three consecutive losses in the qualifiers, Malawi finds itself at the bottom of Group L, with no points on the board.
Group leaders Burkina Faso have already secured their place in the AFCON finals, boasting 10 points from four matches.
Senegal, sitting second with seven points, could join them with a victory over Malawi on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Burundi, with three points, occupy third place in the group.
Despite the Flames’ dismal position, Mabedi remains optimistic, saying the heavy defeat in Dakar is now “water under the bridge.” He emphasized that the team must focus on restoring national pride. “We are playing for pride first.
And secondly, we need to acknowledge that we let the nation down by not performing well.
The most important thing is to redeem ourselves and show the nation that we can do better than this,” Mabedi said.
Mabedi also underlined the significance of the match falling on Mothers Day, expressing a desire to give Malawians a victory as a special gift. “It is a special day for our nation, and we need to make sure we give Malawians something to celebrate.
It is not about me; it is about the players stepping up.
I think they understand what is expected of them and will dedicate this performance to the mothers of Malawi,” Mabedi added.
However, the team faces an additional challenge, with first-choice goalkeeper Brighton Munthali suspended after receiving a red card in the first leg.
Mabedi has called up William Thole of Mighty Mukuru Wanderers as a replacement, alongside defensive reinforcement in Maxwell Paipi from Silver Strikers and striker Chifundo Mphasi, who plays in Zambia.
Senegal, under interim coach Pape Thiaw, is preparing for what they expect to be a tough match. “We know that it won’t be easy because Malawi will be playing at home, in front of their crowd.
They will try to fight for the win,” Thiaw said.
The Flames’ journey in the qualifiers continues with two remaining matches next month, against Burundi and Burkina Faso.
Malawi will hope to avenge earlier losses, having fallen 3-2 to Burundi and 3-1 to Burkina Faso in their previous encounters.
