Rachael Kaphaizi

Malawi 1 (0) -1 (3) Botswana

Even when we are celebrating our independence, Flames can’t win a match. Malawi men’s football team, the Flames, disappointed its citizens when celebrating the country’s 61st Independence Day, following a defeat to the Zebras of Botswana.

A team with a poor record failed to even win an Independence Day Trophy on Sunday at Bingu National Stadium when they lost 3-0 on post-match penalties after regulation time ended 1-all.

For 61 years of independence, Malawi only won the CECAFA Cup in 1978, 1979 and 1988. They hosted the Four Nations Tournament in 2024 which they also failed to win—finishing fourth without a win.

Against the Zebras, Malawi as usual dominated play but it was the same old story, enjoying play but failing to score.

A team that is coming from a disappointing outing in South Africa where they lost two games, one draw and failed to score in the 2025 Cosafa Cup, also failed to score at Bingu against Botswana.

Their goal was an own goal which was scored by a Zebras defender after he failed to coordinate with his goalkeeper at 78 minutes. Botswana was first to score at 46 minutes through Thabang Sesinyi after Blessings Singini lost the ball midway; the visitors utilized the chance and converted into the net.

Referee Godfrey Nkhakangana called for penalties to separate the two and Botswana converted three of their four spot kicks while Malawi missed all their three shots from MacDonald Lameck, Maxwell Paipi and Nickson Mwase—3-0 it ended with the visitors returning home with a trophy.

Speaking after a defeat at home, Flames head coach, Kalisto Pasuwa says despite the defeat he thinks the team is coming up.

“I think we are coming up, if you can give us time we will get there,” said Pasuwa.

While Zebras coach Morena Morebod was happy to have won the match and also to see that some new players impressed during the match.

“We brought some new players, who needed that exposure, I am happy with the performance. I think it is time Malawi should be sending players to Botswana and also Botswana players to come here and play football,” he said.

Lineups:

Malawi:

Richard Chimbamba, Lloyd Aaron (C), MacDonald Lameck, Blessings Mpokera, Wisdom Mpinganjira, Blessings Singini, Binwell Katinji, Gaddie Chirwa, Chikumbutso Salima, Alick Lungu and Chawanangwa Gumbo

Botswana:

Phoko, Gaolaolwe (C), Sokana, Kopelang, Ngada, Omodingane, Khapha, Baruti, Sesinyi, Setsile, Thero.