Robert Milingo

Only 8 days was enough for Zimbabwean coach Kalisto Pasuwa to turn things around for the Malawi national football team.

From the wilderness, where the team played four Africa Cup of Nations qualifier matches without a point, conceding 11 goals, Pasuwa has given Malawians a reason to imagine.

In the same space of time, Pasuwa has delivered four points, scoring three goals and conceded none. Malawi now has four points from zero when he was taking over on interim basis.

Though the team has been booted out of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Malawians can hope, after a string of losses and sad performances under Patrick Mabedi.

In his first match against Burundi in Ivory Coast, Pasuwa got a point following a goalless draw before baptising Burkina Faso 3-0 at Bingu National Stadium.

Burundi has 4 points, with a game in hand against Senegal.

In today’s match, Malawi’s Gabadinho Mhango scored the opener at 28 minutes from a Patrick Mwaungulu pass, beating Ouedraogo in goals.

Straight from recess, the Flames were two up at 57 minutes courtesy of Richard Mbulu, heading home a lovely cross from Lloyd Aaron.

Barely 15 minutes later, Aaron completed the Flames of goals from a Mhango assist.

Pasuwa says he is happy that his boys played according to plan. “We needed to give fans something and we did it, I am happy,” he said.

Pasuwa’s journey to the Flames

On November 1, Kalisto Pasuwa was appointed Flames coach replacing Patrick Mabedi.

On November 6, he released his call up to join camp ahead of facing Burundi.

On November 11, Pasuwa had the first of his two training sessions with Flames local based players at the Bingu Nation Stadium in Lilongwe.

On November 14, he had his first match in the Afcon against Burundi in Ivory Coast which ended goalless.

On November 18 Pasuwa had his second match—group L last match, against Burkina Faso who are ranked 62 on Fifa Rankings. Malawi won 3-0.

Line up:

William Thole, Charles Petro (C ), Alick Lungu, Gabadinho Mhango, Patrick Mwaungulu, Wisdom Mpinganjira, Gomezgani Chirwa, Lloyd Aaron, Nickson Mwase, Richard Mbulu and Yankho Singo.