By Burnett Munthali
Lilongwe, Malawi – The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) risks facing a hefty fine from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following chaotic scenes at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe after Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between the Flames and Senegal.
The match, which saw the Flames lose 1-0 to the Lions of Teranga, ended in controversy after Senegal’s Sadio Mane scored a decisive goal from a free-kick awarded in the fifth minute of added time. The decision by Ethiopian referee Bamlack Tessema Weyesa to award the free-kick sparked outrage among Flames supporters, leading to violent reactions.
In protest of the referee’s decision, irate fans began hurling objects, including glass bottles, at the officiating team as they exited the pitch. A video clip that has since gone viral on social media shows the officiating personnel being pelted with objects as they walked towards the tunnel leading to the dressing rooms. Referee Tessema and his assistants were seen briefly stopping in their tracks amid the chaos.
Adding to the controversy, an official from the Senegalese team was reportedly seen handing over a bottle to match commissioner Obvious Moyo from Botswana as evidence of the crowd’s unruly behavior.
The violent scenes have drawn attention from CAF, which is likely to impose sanctions on FAM for failing to control the home crowd. Such incidents are considered serious violations under CAF’s disciplinary code, and the association could face fines or other penalties, including a potential ban on hosting future international matches.
This latest incident comes as a bitter blow for the Flames, who have had a disappointing campaign. After four straight losses in the AFCON qualifiers, Malawi has yet to secure a single point. Burkina Faso’s Stallions and Senegal’s Lions of Teranga have already secured qualification for the continental showpiece with two games remaining.
FAM has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but with CAF expected to review the incident, the association could be facing significant repercussions. The unruly behavior of the fans not only risks penalties but also tarnishes the image of Malawi football on the international stage.
