The Malawi Flames are set to face Botswana in the third-place playoff of the Four Nations Tournament on March 31, 2026, at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown. This match comes after both teams suffered defeats in the semi-finals, with Malawi losing to Zambia and Botswana falling 3-0 to Zimbabwe.
Malawi’s squad will be without key players, including captain Richard Mbulu, who has been ruled out due to injury. Additionally, Charles Petro has returned to his club and will miss the match, while the availability of Lloyd Aaron remains uncertain due to club commitments.
Head coach Kalisto Pasuwa acknowledged the challenges posed by these absences but expressed confidence in the remaining players. “It will affect us, yes, but this is a team. The boys who are available are fit and ready to play,” he stated. Pasuwa also emphasized the importance of winning, saying, “Yes, we are building a team, but we also need to start winning games.”
The Four Nations Tournament, which includes Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and hosts Botswana, runs from March 28 to 31, 2026. The Flames are aiming for a podium finish after their semi-final defeat, and the upcoming match against Botswana presents an opportunity to secure a positive result.
Despite the setbacks, Pasuwa noted that the team has responded well mentally, which is crucial as they prepare for this match. “The boys have responded well mentally, and that is important going into this match,” he added.
As the tournament progresses, both teams will be looking to end on a high note, with Malawi hoping to capitalize on any weaknesses in the Botswana side following their recent loss. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineups and any last-minute changes to the squads.
