Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera
The Malawi national football team, the Flames, will kick off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a home fixture against South Sudan before travelling to Angola for their second Group B match as they begin their quest to secure a place at the continental showpiece.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) qualifying schedule places Malawi in a challenging Group B alongside African giants Egypt, Angola and South Sudan, with only the top two teams advancing to the 2027 AFCON finals.
After hosting South Sudan in their opening fixture, the Flames will travel to Luanda to face Angola. The campaign will then enter a crucial stage in November 2026 when Malawi take on seven-time African champions Egypt in back-to-back matches, beginning with an away fixture before welcoming the Pharaohs at home.
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The qualifiers will conclude in March 2027, with the Flames first travelling to South Sudan before hosting Angola in their final group match.
Head coach Kalisto Pasuwa believes the draw presents a fair opportunity for Malawi but has stressed that success will depend on thorough preparation and national support.
Pasuwa said every team in the group has quality, making it essential for Malawi to prepare adequately if they are to compete for one of the two qualification spots.
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He also called for unity among football stakeholders, supporters and the nation, saying collective effort will be vital as the Flames chase a return to Africa’s biggest football tournament.
Malawi’s last appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations came in 2021, where the Flames impressed by reaching the Round of 16 before being eliminated by Morocco. Since then, the team has been working towards reclaiming its place among Africa’s elite.
The upcoming qualifiers present another opportunity for the Flames to write a new chapter in the country’s football history. While Egypt are widely regarded as favourites to top the group, Malawi will be targeting positive results against Angola and South Sudan while hoping to challenge the North African powerhouse.
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With experienced coach Pasuwa at the helm and a squad eager to prove itself on the continental stage, expectations are growing that the Flames can mount a serious challenge for qualification.
Supporters across the country will now be looking forward to the opening home fixture against South Sudan, hoping it will provide the perfect start to Malawi’s bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since their memorable 2021 campaign.
