kids encyclopedia robot

Malawi national football team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Malawi
Nickname(s) The Flames
Association Football Association of Malawi
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coach Callisto Pasuwa
Captain John Banda
Most caps Young Chimodzi (159)
Top scorer Kinnah Phiri (71)
Home stadium Bingu National Stadium
FIFA code MWI
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 129 Increase 1 (7 February 2019)
Highest 53 (December 1992)
Lowest 138 (December 2007, March 2008)
Elo ranking
Current 149 Decrease 20 (3 March 2019)
Highest 53 (6 July 1988)
Lowest 148 (November 2018)
First international
 Nyasaland 0–5 Northern Rhodesia 
(Malawi; 1957)
Biggest win
 Malawi 8–1 Botswana 
(Malawi; 13 July 1968)
 Malawi 8–1 Djibouti 
(Blantyre, Malawi; 31 May 2008)
Biggest defeat
 Nyasaland 0–12  Ghana
(Malawi; 15 October 1962)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances 3 (first in 1984)
Best result Round of 16 (2021)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances 19 (first in 1997)
Best result Runners-up (2002, 2003)
Medal record
COSAFA Cup
Silver 2002 Southern Africa
Silver 2003 Southern Africa
CECAFA Cup
Gold 1978 Malawi
Gold 1979 Kenya
Gold 1988 Malawi
Silver 1975 Zambia
Silver 1984 Uganda
Silver 1989 Kenya
Bronze 1977 Somalia
Bronze 1980 Sudan
Bronze 1985 Zimbabwe

The Malawi national football team represents the country of Malawi in the sport of association football. This team is controlled by the Football Association of Malawi. Before 1966, the team was known as the Nyasaland national football team.

The team is nicknamed the Flames. Malawi has played in the Africa Cup of Nations three times: in 1984, 2010, and 2021. They also won the CECAFA Cup in 1978, 1979, and 1988.

Team History and Achievements

Early Days and Coaches

The first full-time coach for the Malawi national football team was Ron Meades. He was appointed through the English Football Association. His job was to prepare the team for special Republic Celebrations matches.

Later, Ray Batchelor coached the team for four years. He led them in 23 friendly games and two Olympic Games. Over the years, many coaches have guided the Flames. Some of the most successful coaches include Ted Powell, Henry Moyo, and Kim Splidsboel. Henry Moyo was special because he was the first former national player to become the team's coach.

Playing in Big Tournaments

Malawi first played in the African Cup of Nations in 1984. Only eight teams competed in that tournament. Malawi lost to Algeria and Ghana, but they had an exciting 2-2 draw against Nigeria. They finished last in their group and were eliminated.

After 26 years, Malawi returned to the Africa Cup of Nations in 2010. They qualified because the games for the 2010 FIFA World Cup also counted for AFCON qualification. Even though they finished third in their group, it was enough to reach the finals.

At the 2010 tournament in Angola, Malawi surprised everyone. They beat Algeria, a team that had qualified for the World Cup, with a score of 3-0. Russel Mwafulirwa, a striker, scored one of the goals. He was one of only two players in the squad who played for a club in Europe. Malawi then lost to Angola 2-0. To reach the quarter-finals, they needed a draw in their last game. However, they lost 3-1 to Mali and were eliminated.

Malawi also qualified for the 2021 tournament. They made it to the Round of 16, which was their best performance yet!

Recent Matches and Schedule

This section shows the Malawi national football team's recent game results and upcoming matches.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2024 Matches

6 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Malawi  3–1  São Tomé and Príncipe Lilongwe, Malawi
15:00 UTC+2
  • Kawonga Goal 6'
  • Nkhoma Goal 14'
  • Mphasi Goal 78'
  • Silva Goal 67'
Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
Referee: Ahmed Arajiga (Tanzania)
10 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Equatorial Guinea  1–0  Malawi Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
14:00 UTC+1
  • Salvador Goal 81'
Stadium: Estadio de Malabo
Referee: Lamin Jammeh (Gambia)

2025 Matches

20 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Malawi  0–1  Namibia Lilongwe, Malawi
18:00 UTC+2
  • Tjiueza Goal 40'
Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
Attendance: 17,706
Referee: Jelly Alfred Chavani (South Africa)
24 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Tunisia  2–0  Malawi Tunis, Tunisia
22:00 UTC+1 Stadium: Hammadi Agrebi Stadium
5 June 2025 COSAFA Cup Malawi  0–1  Lesotho Bloemfontein, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2 Ntaitsane Goal 87' Stadium: Free State Stadium
Referee: Patrice Milazar (Mauritius)
8 June 2025 COSAFA Cup Namibia  0–0  Malawi Bloemfontein, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2 Stadium: Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium
Referee: Hillary Hambaba (Zambia)
10 June 2025 COSAFA Cup Malawi  0–1  Angola Bloemfontein
15:00 UTC+2 Randy Nteka Goal 48' Stadium: Free State Stadium
Referee: Hillary Hambaba (Zambia)
September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Namibia  v  Malawi
September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Malawi  v  Liberia
October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Malawi  v  Equatorial Guinea
October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification São Tomé and Príncipe  v  Malawi

Team Staff and Players

Coaching Staff

Here are the people who help coach and manage the Malawi national football team:

Position Name
Head Coach Zimbabwe Callisto Pasuwa
1st Assistant coach Malawi Peter Mponda
2nd Assistant coach Malawi Macdonald Mtetemela
Goalkeeping coach Malawi Simplex Nthala
Team manager Malawi James Sangala
Fitness Coach Malawi Peter Mgangira
Technical Adviser Malawi Aubrey Nankhuni
Data Analyst Malawi Taonga Chimodzi
Physiotherapist Malawi Dexter Killi
Team Doctor Malawi Dr. Levison Mwale
Kitmaster South Sudan Richard Justin Lado
Media Manager Malawi Gomegzani Zakazaka
Chaplain Malawi Chancy Gondwe
Assistant Technical Manager Malawi Steve Madeira

Coaching History

Many coaches have led the Flames over the years. Some coaches were in charge for a short time, and they are listed in italics.

  • Malawi Jack Chamangwana (1998–99)
  • Malawi Young Chimodzi (1999–00)
  • Denmark Kim Splidsboel (2000–02)
  • England Alan Gillett (2003)
  • Malawi Edington Ng'onamo (2003–04)
  • Malawi John Kaputa (2004)
  • Malawi Yassin Osman (2004–05)
  • England Michael Hennigan (2005)
  • Germany Burkhard Ziese (2005–06)
  • Malawi Kinnah Phiri (2006–07)
  • England Stephen Constantine (2007–08)
  • Malawi Kinnah Phiri (2009–12)
  • Malawi Edington Ng'onamo (2012–13)
  • Belgium Tom Saintfiet (2013)
  • Malawi Young Chimodzi (2014–15)
  • Malawi Ernest Mtawali (2015–16)
  • Burundi Ramadhan Nsanzurwimo (2016–17)
  • Malawi Gerald Phiri Sr. (2017)
  • Belgium Ronny Van Geneugden (2017–19)
  • Malawi Meke Mwase (2019–2021)
  • Romania Mario Marinică (2021–2023)
  • Malawi Patrick Mabedi (2023–2024)
  • Zimbabwe Kalisto Pasuwa (2024–present)

Current Squad Players

These are the players who were chosen for the team's matches in March 2025. The information about their games played (caps) and goals scored is correct as of November 18, 2024.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK George Chikooka (1997-04-04) 4 April 1997 (age 28) 5 0 Malawi Silver Strikers
1GK William Thole (1998-10-02) 2 October 1998 (age 26) 5 0 Zimbabwe Simba Bhora
1GK Richard Chimbamba (1998-06-23) 23 June 1998 (age 27) 0 0 Malawi Nyasa Big Bullets

2DF Dennis Chembezi (1997-01-15) 15 January 1997 (age 28) 53 0 Iraq Al-Qasim
2DF Precious Sambani (1998-05-21) 21 May 1998 (age 27) 29 1 Malawi Silver Strikers
2DF Gomezgani Chirwa (1996-09-25) 25 September 1996 (age 28) 27 0 Zimbabwe Ngezi Platinum
2DF Nickson Mwase (1997-02-20) 20 February 1997 (age 28) 17 0 Malawi Silver Strikers
3MF Alick Lungu (2002-03-24) 24 March 2002 (age 23) 12 0 Malawi Nyasa Big Bullets
2DF Nickson Nyasulu (1998-03-03) 3 March 1998 (age 27) 6 0 Zimbabwe Platinum
2DF McDonald Lameck (1998-10-10) 10 October 1998 (age 26) 4 0 Malawi Silver Strikers
2DF Maxwell Paipi (2002-05-04) 4 May 2002 (age 23) 1 0 Malawi Silver Strikers

3MF John Banda (1993-08-20) 20 August 1993 (age 31) 96 7 Free agent
3MF Charles Petro (2001-02-08) 8 February 2001 (age 24) 32 0 Romania Botoșani
3MF Lloyd Aaron (2003-01-08) 8 January 2003 (age 22) 18 1 Malawi Nyasa Big Bullets
3MF Lloyd Njaliwa (1998-05-24) 24 May 1998 (age 27) 11 0 Mozambique Costa do Sol
3MF Yankho Singo (2000-04-01) 1 April 2000 (age 25) 2 0 Malawi Nyasa Big Bullets
3MF Chawanangwa Kawonga (2002-03-25) 25 March 2002 (age 23) 0 0 Malawi Nyasa Big Bullets
3MF Wongani Lungu (2002-03-09) 9 March 2002 (age 23) 0 0 Malawi Nyasa Big Bullets

4FW Gabadinho Mhango (1992-09-27) 27 September 1992 (age 32) 72 18 South Africa Moroka Swallows
4FW Richard Mbulu (1994-01-25) 25 January 1994 (age 31) 43 6 Mozambique Costa do Sol
3MF Chawa (1995-01-05) 5 January 1995 (age 30) 31 4 Zambia Zanaco
4FW Lanjesi Nkhoma (2002-05-27) 27 May 2002 (age 23) 19 4 Democratic Republic of the Congo Don Bosco
4FW Patrick Mwaungulu (2002-02-18) 18 February 2002 (age 23) 16 1 Democratic Republic of the Congo Don Bosco
4FW Wisdom Mpinganjira (2002-07-08) 8 July 2002 (age 23) 12 0 Malawi Mighty Wanderers
4FW Gaddie Chirwa (1997-11-30) 30 November 1997 (age 27) 9 0 Malawi Mighty Wanderers
4FW Zebron Kalima (2002-05-13) 13 May 2002 (age 23) 2 0 Malawi Silver Strikers
4FW Ephraim Kondowe (2002-01-02) 2 January 2002 (age 23) 0 0 Malawi Nyasa Big Bullets
4FW Chikumbutso Salima (2003-12-27) 27 December 2003 (age 21) 0 0 Malawi Nyasa Big Bullets

Recently Called-Up Players

These players were called up to the team in the 12 months before the current squad was chosen.


Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Brighton Munthali (1997-12-11) 11 December 1997 (age 27) 37 0 Malawi Blue Eagles v.  Senegal; 15 October 2024
GK Innocent Nyasulu (1997-04-16) 16 April 1997 (age 28) 2 0 Malawi Mighty Tigers v.  Burkina Faso; 10 September 2024
GK Austin Chirambo (2003-12-31) 31 December 2003 (age 21) 0 0 Malawi Nyasa Big Bullets v.  Zambia; 26 March 2024

DF Timothy Silwimba (1999-05-05) 5 May 1999 (age 26) 2 0 Malawi Mighty Wanderers v.  Burkina Faso 18 November 2024
DF Stanley Sanudi (1995-02-02) 2 February 1995 (age 30) 93 1 Malawi Mighty Wanderers v.  Senegal; 15 October 2024
DF Lawrence Chaziya (1998-08-19) 19 August 1998 (age 26) 17 2 Malawi Mighty Wanderers v.  Senegal; 15 October 2024
DF Yamikani Mologeni (2002-10-22) 22 October 2002 (age 22) 0 0 Malawi Nyasa Big Bullets v.  Senegal; 15 October 2024
DF Blessings Mpokera (2002-04-02) 2 April 2002 (age 23) 2 0 Malawi Nyasa Big Bullets v.  Equatorial Guinea; 10 June 2024
DF Alex Kambilinya 0 0 Malawi Wakawaka Tigers v.  Equatorial Guinea; 10 June 2024
DF Daniel Chimbalanga (1999-01-19) 19 January 1999 (age 26) 3 0 Malawi MAFCO v.  Zambia; 26 March 2024
DF Joseph Balakasi (2002-04-12) 12 April 2002 (age 23) 1 0 Malawi Dedza Dynamos v.  Zambia; 26 March 2024
DF Chimwemwe Nkhoma 0 0 Malawi Mighty Wanderers v.  Zambia; 26 March 2024

MF Chimwemwe Idana (1998-09-07) 7 September 1998 (age 26) 57 0 Malawi Silver Strikers v.  Senegal; 15 October 2024
MF Robert Saizi (2003-07-05) 5 July 2003 (age 22) 12 1 Malawi Nyasa Big Bullets v.  Senegal; 15 October 2024
MF Chifundo Mphasi (2004-10-17) 17 October 2004 (age 20) 15 2 Zambia Shamuel v.  Senegal; 11 October 2024PRE
MF Patrick Macheso (1997-05-07) 7 May 1997 (age 28) 2 0 Malawi Silver Strikers v.  Burkina Faso; 10 September 2024
MF Crispin Mapemba (2004-11-09) 9 November 2004 (age 20) 2 0 Malawi Nyasa Big Bullets v.  Equatorial Guinea; 10 June 2024
MF Francisco Madinga (2000-02-11) 11 February 2000 (age 25) 14 0 Malawi Mighty Wanderers v.  Zambia; 26 March 2024

FW Zeliat Nkhoma (1993-10-22) 22 October 1993 (age 31) 3 1 Malawi Kamuzu Barracks v.  Burkina Faso 18 November 2024
FW Christopher Kumwembe (1997-01-21) 21 January 1997 (age 28) 9 1 Malawi Mighty Wanderers v.  Equatorial Guinea; 10 June 2024
FW Olson Kanjira (1995-03-29) 29 March 1995 (age 30) 2 0 Malawi Kamuzu Barracks v.  Zambia; 26 March 2024
FW Clement Nyondo (1998-08-08) 8 August 1998 (age 26) 0 0 Malawi Mighty Wanderers v.  Zambia; 26 March 2024

Team Records

This section shows some of the top players in Malawi's football history. Players whose names are in bold are still playing for the team.

Most Games Played

These players have played the most matches for the Malawi national team.

Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Young Chimodzi 159 13 1979–1995
2 Jack Chamangwana 133 10 1975–1985
3 Lawrence Waya 129 28 1982–1996
4 Harry Waya 126 8 1977–1987
5 Kinnah Phiri 117 71 1973–1981
6 Gilbert Chirwa 112 4 1981–1993
7 Jonathan Billie 110 8 1978–1987
8 Joseph Kamwendo 104 6 2003–2017
9 Felix Nyirongo 103 2 1986–1997
10 Peter Mponda 102 1 1998–2011

Top Goal Scorers

These players have scored the most goals for the Malawi national team.

Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Kinnah Phiri 71 117 0.61 1973–1981
2 Frank Sinalo 28 75 0.37 1981–1989
Lawrence Waya 28 129 0.22 1982–1996
4 Stock Dandize 23 70 0.33 1977–1983
5 Yasin Osman 22 67 0.33 1966–1975
Essau Kanyenda 22 72 0.31 1999–2015
Chiukepo Msowoya 22 89 0.25 2006–2023
8 Peterkins Kayira 18 68 0.26 1983–1989
Gabadinho Mhango 18 72 0.25 2012–present
10 Barnet Gondwe 17 66 0.26 1976–1981

Tournament History

FIFA World Cup Appearances

Malawi has tried to qualify for the FIFA World Cup many times but has not yet made it to the main tournament.

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
England 1966 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
Mexico 1970 Did not enter Did not enter
West Germany 1974
Argentina 1978 Did not qualify 2 0 0 2 0 5
Spain 1982 2 0 1 1 1 4
Mexico 1986 4 2 1 1 5 2
Italy 1990 8 2 3 3 6 6
United States 1994 Withdrew Withdrew
France 1998 Did not qualify 2 0 0 2 0 4
South Korea Japan 2002 8 1 2 5 6 12
Germany 2006 12 2 4 6 15 27
South Africa 2010 12 5 1 6 18 16
Brazil 2014 6 1 4 1 4 5
Russia 2018 2 1 0 1 1 2
Qatar 2022 8 2 1 5 3 12
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined 6 2 0 4 4 6
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 0/14 72 18 17 37 63 101

Africa Cup of Nations Appearances

Malawi has played in the Africa Cup of Nations three times.

Africa Cup of Nations record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
Tunisia 1965 Not affiliated to CAF Not affiliated to CAF
Ethiopia 1968
Sudan 1970
Cameroon 1972
Egypt 1974 Did not enter Did not enter
Ethiopia 1976 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 4 9
Ghana 1978 2 0 1 1 3 4
Nigeria 1980 4 1 0 3 6 7
Libya 1982 2 0 1 1 1 2
Ivory Coast 1984 Group stage 7th 3 0 1 2 2 6 Squad 4 3 1 0 6 2
Egypt 1986 Did not qualify 2 0 2 0 2 2
Morocco 1988 2 0 0 2 1 4
Algeria 1990 4 1 2 1 5 4
Senegal 1992 4 0 1 3 3 9
Tunisia 1994 6 2 1 3 4 7
South Africa 1996 6 1 3 2 6 7
Burkina Faso 1998 6 3 0 3 9 10
Ghana Nigeria 2000 2 1 0 1 2 2
Mali 2002 2 0 0 2 2 5
Tunisia 2004 4 1 0 3 3 10
Egypt 2006 12 2 4 6 15 27
Ghana 2008 4 1 0 3 2 6
Angola 2010 Group stage 11th 3 1 0 2 4 5 Squad 6 4 0 2 14 5
Equatorial Guinea Gabon 2012 Did not qualify 8 2 6 0 13 8
South Africa 2013 4 1 0 3 4 6
Equatorial Guinea 2015 6 2 1 3 5 9
Gabon 2017 6 2 1 3 5 9
Egypt 2019 6 1 2 3 2 6
Cameroon 2021 Round of 16 13th 4 1 1 2 3 4 Squad 6 3 1 2 4 5
Ivory Coast 2023 Did not qualify 6 1 2 3 4 10
Morocco 2025 6 1 1 4 6 11
Kenya Tanzania Uganda 2027 To be determined To be determined
2029
Total Round of 16 3/35 10 2 2 6 15 122 33 31 58 131 186

African Games Football

Malawi has also competed in the football tournament at the African Games.

Year Result Pld W D L GF GA
Republic of the Congo 1965 Did not qualify
Nigeria 1973 Did not qualify
Algeria 1978 4th 5 0 0 5 2 11
Kenya 1987 3rd 5 3 1 1 8 4
Total 2/4 10 3 1 6 10 15

Head-to-Head Records

This table shows how Malawi has performed against other national teams. The results are updated as of June 10, 2025.

      More wins than losses       As many wins as losses       Fewer wins than losses

Opponent
Pld
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
 Algeria 7 2 1 4 6 13 −7
 Angola 10 3 3 4 8 11 −3
 Bangladesh 1 0 1 0 1 1 0
 Benin 2 1 0 1 1 1 0
 Botswana 25 12 8 5 47 21 +26
 Burkina Faso 8 1 2 5 8 13 −5
 Burundi 5 0 3 2 6 9 −3
 Cameroon 11 1 4 6 6 19 −13
 Chad 6 3 1 2 15 10 +5
 Comoros 5 4 0 1 7 3 +4
 Congo 2 0 0 2 1 3 −2
 Djibouti 4 4 0 0 17 1 +16
 DR Congo 10 3 3 4 8 9 −1
 Egypt 12 3 2 7 8 20 −12
 Eritrea 1 1 0 0 3 2 +1
 Eswatini 28 11 12 5 41 22 +19
 Ethiopia 14 4 7 3 13 14 –1
 Equatorial Guinea 1 0 0 1 0 1 –1
 Gabon 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2
 Ghana 6 0 1 5 0 17 −17
 Guinea 10 1 4 5 9 14 −5
 Ivory Coast 8 1 1 6 8 17 −9
 Kenya 48 19 18 11 61 50 +11
 Lesotho 24 13 6 5 46 17 +29
 Liberia 4 1 1 2 1 2 −1
 Libya 3 0 1 2 3 5 −2
 Madagascar 10 2 1 7 12 21 −9
 Mali 5 1 1 3 5 8 −3
 Mauritius 21 12 5 4 33 19 +14
 Morocco 11 1 3 7 4 17 −13
 Mozambique 37 13 14 10 37 34 +3
 Namibia 18 4 5 9 16 22 −6
 Nigeria 8 0 2 6 9 20 −11
 Réunion 1 1 0 0 8 2 +6
 Rwanda 9 5 2 2 16 9 +7
 São Tomé and Príncipe 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2
 Senegal 7 1 1 5 6 14 −8
 Seychelles 2 2 0 0 5 0 +5
 Sierra Leone 4 3 1 0 14 5 +9
 Somalia 3 3 0 0 6 2 +4
 South Africa 14 1 4 9 5 20 −15
 South Sudan 3 2 0 1 2 2 0
 Sudan 3 2 1 0 6 1 +5
 Tanzania 56 17 25 14 62 54 +8
 Togo 3 2 1 0 3 1 +2
 Tunisia 9 2 3 4 8 19 −11
 Uganda 32 9 9 14 33 39 −6
 Yemen 1 0 0 1 0 1 −1
 Zambia 82 20 17 45 70 173 −103
 Zanzibar 15 12 2 1 34 10 +24
 Zimbabwe 67 19 23 25 64 85 −21
Total 678 224 199 255 787 874 −87

Team Honours and Awards

Continental Awards

  • African Games1
    • Bronze medal (1): 1987

Regional Awards

  • CECAFA Cup
    • Champions (3): 1978, 1979, 1988
    • Runners-up (3): 1975, 1984, 1989
    • Third place (3): 1977, 1980, 1985
  1. This competition is organized by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa. FIFA does not officially recognize it.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Malaui para niños

kids search engine
Malawi national football team Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.