Malawi Vs Burundi

As the road to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) intensifies, Malawi and Burundi face off at the Bingu National Stadium on Thursday, each aiming to kick-start their qualifying campaigns with a crucial victory. Both teams come into this contest after enduring a difficult spell in recent months, making a win vital not only for their AFCON aspirations but also to restore their confidence on the international stage. For these nations, the stakes are high as they look to put a disappointing year behind them and rekindle hope for a place in Africa’s most prestigious football tournament.

The Need for Redemption: A Win for Momentum

The encounter between Malawi and Burundi holds added significance due to the recent struggles both teams have faced. Neither side has managed to make much of an impression since the start of the year, with patchy form and missed opportunities haunting their records. A victory here could serve as a much-needed reset, setting the tone for the remainder of the qualifying phase. This match also offers a platform for both teams to assert themselves in a highly competitive group that includes the likes of Burkina Faso and Senegal, two formidable opponents in the race for AFCON 2025 qualification.

Malawi: A Quest to Recapture AFCON Glory

Malawi’s football journey in recent years has been one of mixed fortunes. The Flames reached new heights at the 2021 AFCON tournament, where they made it to the knockout stages for the first time in their history. That achievement brought hope that Malawi could become a regular fixture in the tournament, but the following qualification cycle was a significant letdown. Failing to build on their 2021 success, Malawi endured a dismal qualifying campaign for the 2023 edition of AFCON, managing only five points from six matches in a tough Group D that included Egypt, Guinea, and Ethiopia.

The Flames' underwhelming campaign saw them finish third in their group, five points behind Guinea and a further five points adrift of group winners Egypt. This disappointing outcome dashed their hopes of back-to-back AFCON appearances, leaving coach Patrick Mabedi and his team with much to reflect on. The inability to consistently compete against Africa’s top teams highlighted gaps in their squad, particularly in terms of defensive resilience and attacking efficiency.

Seeking Revival: Malawi’s Recent Performances

Despite the disappointment of missing out on AFCON 2023, Malawi has shown glimpses of resurgence in other competitions. In last year’s COSAFA Cup, the Flames managed to finish fourth, demonstrating their potential against regional opponents. The tournament provided a valuable testing ground for Malawi’s younger players, and while they did not walk away with silverware, it marked a step forward in their rebuilding process.

Furthermore, Malawi has recorded two victories in their ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with their most recent win coming against Sao Tome and Principe on June 6. This match marked their only victory in four appearances in 2024, with the other three outings ending in defeat. The Flames’ inconsistency has been a recurring theme this year, and the challenge now is to translate their occasional good performances into sustained success.

Looking ahead, Malawi will face another stern test five days after their match against Burundi when they take on 2013 AFCON finalists Burkina Faso. Securing a win against Burundi could provide a vital confidence boost ahead of this more challenging encounter. With home advantage at the Bingu National Stadium, the Flames will be eager to give their fans something to cheer about by getting back to winning ways.

Burundi: Chasing a Second AFCON Appearance

Like Malawi, Burundi enters this match seeking to reverse their fortunes after a difficult few months. The East African nation has only qualified for AFCON once, back in 2019, where they failed to progress beyond the group stages. Their absence from the 2023 tournament was a disappointment, especially given how close they came to securing qualification. Burundi finished just one point shy of Namibia in Group C, narrowly missing out on a place at the AFCON finals in Ivory Coast.

Burundi’s struggles were compounded by their inability to win crucial matches, as they failed to pick up a victory in their first four games of 2024. However, a glimmer of hope arrived when they finally managed to defeat Seychelles in a World Cup qualifier, ending their winless run. This victory brought their points tally to seven from four qualifying matches, keeping them in the hunt for a place at the 2026 World Cup.

The Path Forward: Burundi’s Challenge in Group B

Burundi’s task in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers is daunting, as they find themselves in one of the toughest groups. Drawn alongside Malawi, Senegal, and Burkina Faso, Les Hirondelles will need to be at their best if they are to progress to only their second-ever AFCON finals. Competing with African powerhouses like Senegal, who are the reigning AFCON champions, and Burkina Faso, who consistently perform well in continental competitions, leaves little room for error.

Burundi’s manager, Etienne Ndayiragije, will be under pressure to deliver results, but he can take heart from his team’s recent performances. After a slow start to the year, Burundi has shown signs of improvement, going unbeaten in their last three games. Thursday’s match presents an opportunity to build on their win over Seychelles and secure back-to-back victories for the first time in nearly four years. Doing so would not only boost morale but also strengthen their position in the race for AFCON qualification.

Key Players to Watch: Malawi’s John Banda and Burundi’s Saido Berahino

In a game of this magnitude, individual performances often make the difference. For Malawi, captain John Banda will be crucial in orchestrating play from midfield. Banda’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in Malawi’s recent campaigns, and his ability to dictate the tempo of the game will be key to unlocking Burundi’s defense. The Flames will also look to their forward line to provide the clinical edge they have sometimes lacked in 2024, with players like Stain Davie and Gabadinho Mhango expected to lead the attack.

On the other side, Burundi will be counting on former Premier League striker Saido Berahino to provide the attacking threat. Berahino, who now plays for Cypriot side AEL Limassol, has the experience and talent to trouble Malawi’s defense. His pace and finishing ability will be pivotal if Burundi is to come away with a positive result from Lilongwe.

Tactical Battle: Defensive Solidity vs. Attacking Flair

Tactically, this match promises to be an intriguing contest between two sides with contrasting styles. Malawi, under the stewardship of Patrick Mabedi, tends to adopt a more pragmatic approach, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. The Flames will likely look to sit deep and absorb pressure before hitting Burundi on the break, exploiting the pace of their wide players.

In contrast, Burundi is more attack-minded under Etienne Ndayiragije, with a focus on controlling possession and building play through the midfield. Burundi’s ability to transition quickly from defense to attack could pose problems for Malawi, particularly if the Flames’ defense is caught out of position. However, Burundi’s tendency to leave gaps at the back when pushing forward could also play into Malawi’s hands.

The Road Ahead: Group B and AFCON 2025 Ambitions

This match is just the beginning of a long and challenging journey for both Malawi and Burundi as they navigate Group B of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers. With Senegal and Burkina Faso likely to dominate the group, every point will be crucial in the battle for the second qualifying spot. For both nations, a strong start is essential, as early setbacks could leave them with too much ground to make up in later rounds.

Thursday’s game is more than just a football match—it represents a chance for redemption, a fresh start, and a shot at rewriting the narrative of their international campaigns. For Malawi, it’s an opportunity to prove that their AFCON 2021 success was not a one-off, while for Burundi, it’s a chance to show they belong among Africa’s footballing elite.

As the teams take to the pitch at Bingu National Stadium, the stakes could not be higher. Both sides will be desperate for a win, and the outcome of this match could set the tone for the remainder of their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaigns. Only time will tell which nation will rise to the occasion, but one thing is certain—there’s everything to play for in Lilongwe.