The Malawi National Football Team, known as The Flames, is ready to begin their journey in the 2025 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup. The team is full of hope and eager to reach the final for the first time since 2003.
Even though Malawi has played in the COSAFA Cup many times, they have never won it. Their best results were in 2002 and 2003, when they finished in second place. In 2002, they lost to South Africa, and in 2003, they were narrowly beaten by Zimbabwe.
Now, the team is getting ready to travel to Bloemfontein, South Africa. Assistant Coach Peter Mponda said he is feeling positive about their chances this year.
“We are happy with our preparations,” said Mponda after the team’s last training session on Wednesday. “We have tried to mix young players with experienced ones so we can build a strong team.”
Mponda said the Flames are going to the tournament to fight for their first title. He believes the team can reach the semi-finals or even go further.
However, two important players will not be part of the team. Midfielder Sebron Kalima is injured, and defender Washali Jaziya is in Japan, settling in with his new club, Nankatsu SC.
Malawi will play their first match in the group stage on Thursday, June 5, against Lesotho. After that, they will face Namibia on June 8, and Angola on June 10.
Fans across Malawi are excited and believe this could be the year the Flames finally win the COSAFA Cup.
