Malawi Freedom Network 
Malawi Strengthen AFCON Qualification Hopes With Dominant First-Leg Victory
By Suleman Chitera | Malawi Freedom Network (MFN)
October 11, 2026
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) President Fleetwood Haiya has congratulated the Malawi National Beach Soccer Team following their impressive 6-2 victory over Seychelles in the first leg of the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The emphatic win gives Malawi a significant advantage ahead of the return leg and brings the team closer to securing a third consecutive appearance at Africa’s premier beach soccer tournament.
Malawi’s four-goal winning margin puts the national side in a strong position heading into the decisive second leg, although the team will need another disciplined performance to confirm qualification for the continental competition.
Malawi Target Third Consecutive Beach Soccer AFCON Appearance
The Flames of beach soccer are seeking to maintain their presence on the continental stage after qualifying for the 2022 and 2024 editions of the Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.
The 2022 tournament was held in Egypt, while Mozambique hosted the 2024 edition. Securing qualification for the 2026 competition would mark an important milestone in Malawi’s continued participation in African beach soccer.
The team’s latest victory also provides encouragement for Malawian football supporters as the national side pursues another opportunity to compete against Africa’s leading beach soccer nations.
Salima to Host Decisive Return Leg
The return leg against Seychelles is scheduled for October 17, 2026, in Salima, where Malawi will aim to complete the job and secure its place in the 2026 Beach Soccer AFCON.
Playing at home offers Malawi an opportunity to build on the first-leg performance with the support of local fans. However, the team will need to remain focused and avoid complacency, as Seychelles will be looking to overturn the deficit.
A strong performance in Salima would confirm Malawi’s qualification and extend the country’s run of consecutive appearances at the continental beach soccer championship.
Haiya’s Congratulations Boost National Team
Haiya’s congratulatory message recognises the team’s achievement in the opening encounter and comes as Malawi prepares for the crucial return fixture.
The 6-2 result provides a solid foundation for the national team, but qualification remains the immediate objective. The players will be expected to maintain their attacking threat while remaining organised defensively when the two sides meet again.
For Malawi, qualification would represent another positive step in the development of beach soccer and an opportunity to raise the country’s profile in African football.
Read also FAM President Fleetwood Haiya challenges Malawi Beach Soccer Team to bring home the trophy
With the return leg approaching, attention now turns to Salima, where the national team will seek to turn its first-leg advantage into a confirmed place at the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.
Malawi Freedom Network (MFN) will continue to provide updates on Malawi’s beach soccer team and the country’s sporting developments.
