Malawi’s Preparations Hit a Financial Roadblock Ahead of Crucial AFCON Qualifiers Against Algeria
As Morocco 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers approach, Malawi’s national football team faces an unexpected hurdle. The Malawi Football Association had planned a friendly match to prepare for their vital double-header against Algeria, set for the 3rd and 4th rounds of qualification. However, the government has declined to fund the fixture, citing financial constraints.
Grace Obama, Malawi’s Minister of Sports, explained the decision: “We don’t have the money necessary to organise a friendly match for the national team. Our ministry has not received any subsidies from the public treasury. Therefore, there will be no match.” The estimated cost for staging the friendly was reportedly $170,000, an amount the government is unwilling or unable to allocate at this time.
The cancellation has raised concerns among players and staff, especially given the strength of their upcoming opponents, the Algerian Fennecs. Malawi captain Joseph Kamwendo expressed his frustration: “It’s a shame. A friendly match before the scheduled match against Algeria is essential for us, and it would be suicide not to conclude one. We must find a solution quickly.”
Malawi’s players hope to find alternative means to prepare adequately as they face a challenging qualifying campaign, with the missed opportunity for a preparatory match seen as a significant setback ahead of a crucial fixture.
