Malawi’s withdrawal from the qualifiers for the next African Cup of Nations comes as a significant setback for the country’s football aspirations. The decision was prompted by financial constraints, with the government urging the football federation to prioritize its spending.
Walter Nyamilandu, president of the Malawian Football Federation, expressed regret over the situation, stating that they had no choice but to withdraw from the competition. The decision was made in order to redirect resources towards the development of youth football, particularly in preparation for the U-20 CAN.
The withdrawal from the African Cup of Nations qualifiers marks a disappointing turn for Malawi, especially after their recent friendly match against Zimbabwe. This setback underscores the challenges faced by smaller footballing nations in balancing financial constraints with their ambitions for international competition.