Mponda hails “Fair” COSAFA draw but Group B can be “fearsome” as Flames face 2024 finalists

They’re back—and they’re burning with intent. After a year in the shadows, the Malawi National Football Team, affectionately known as the Flames, are storming back into the COSAFA Cup with fire in their hearts and revenge in their sights.

The Flames were forced to withdraw from the 2024 edition in tragic circumstances, as the nation mourned the sudden death of Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others. Now, with the country’s flag held high, Malawi is poised to reignite their regional campaign on the grand stage in South Africa.

Touchdown is expected between June 2 and 3, with the regional showcase roaring to life on June 4. The final whistle—and the crowning of a new champion—will come on June 15.

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The COSAFA draw, conducted on Wednesday, tossed Malawi into what’s shaping up to be the tournament’s group of intrigue—Group B—alongside reigning champions Angola, 2015 winners Namibia, and rising warriors Lesotho.

Flames assistant coach Peter Mponda, a steely veteran of the game, welcomed the draw with open arms and clear-eyed optimism.

“It’s a fair draw. All the teams in our group are strong and have been doing well. It gives each of the four teams a genuine chance to qualify for the semi-finals,” Mponda told FAM Media.

Translation? There are no easy games here. This is a football jungle—and only the fiercest will survive.

Though they missed the 2024 edition, the Flames were sizzling in 2023, storming through the group stages with purpose. They opened their campaign by dismantling Seychelles 3-0, then sent shockwaves across the region with a seismic 1-0 win over Zambia—Malawi’s first triumph over the Chipolopolo since 2015.

That victory came through an own goal from Zambia’s Aaron Katebe, who, under pressure, nodded into his own net. Football can be cruel—but Malawi was ruthless. A 2-0 clinical dispatching of Comoros followed, sealing their semi-final ticket. But the good run faltered at the final hurdle as Lesotho shattered their dreams in a penalty shootout.

Now, with Lesotho once again in the same group, the Flames are not just looking to win—they are on a mission to settle the score.

Lesotho are no longer minnows. The Crocodiles reached their first COSAFA final in 2023 and are out to prove it was no fluke. But history leans toward Malawi, who boast 13 wins in 23 meetings against them.

Namibia, champions a decade ago, remain a hard nut to crack. Their rivalry with Malawi is delicately balanced—nine wins for the Brave Warriors, four for the Flames.

Angola, meanwhile, are the final boss in this COSAFA saga. The Palancas Negras steamrolled Namibia 5-0 in last year’s final and have never lost to them in history. Against Malawi, Angola hold the upper hand too, with three wins and only one loss in seven encounters.

It’s a group soaked in history, brimming with vengeance, and bursting with potential fireworks.

The Flames’ journey begins with a blockbuster clash against Lesotho on June 5 at 15:00 CAT, a match already dripping with narrative. That’s followed by a high-voltage showdown with Namibia on June 8 at Petrus Molemela Stadium. Then comes the big one—June 10, the group stage finale against Angola. If ever there was a moment for the Flames to rise, it is now.

Only the top team from each group will secure an automatic ticket to the semi-finals. One lucky runner-up from across all groups will join them. The margins are razor-thin—the stakes sky-high.

Malawi’s COSAFA 2024 Group B Fixtures:

• 🗓 June 5: 🇲🇼 Malawi vs 🇱🇸 Lesotho – 15:00 CAT
• 🗓 June 8: 🇲🇼 Malawi vs 🇳🇦 Namibia – 15:00 CAT (Petrus Molemela Stadium)
• 🗓 June 10: 🇲🇼 Malawi vs 🇦🇴 Angola – 15:00 CAT