Malawi’s Under-23 national team will be looking to make home advantage count when they host Eswatini in the first leg of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Under-23 qualifier on Tuesday at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe. With qualification decided over two legs, the Junior Flames know that a positive result at home will [...]
Nyasa Times News Desk
Nyasa Times Reporter
28 Sept 2026 · 2 min read
Malawi’s Under-23 national team will be looking to make home advantage count when they host Eswatini in the first leg of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Under-23 qualifier on Tuesday at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
With qualification decided over two legs, the Junior Flames know that a positive result at home will provide a crucial platform ahead of the return fixture in Eswatini.
“It is a very important game for us as Malawi because we are playing at home, and we know we need a good result,” said head coach Bob Mpinganjira.
“We have to play our lungs out and work extra hard to get a positive result to put ourselves in a good position going into the away match.”
Mpinganjira will have a stronger squad at his disposal following the return of four players who were recently away with the senior national team, the Flames. Washali Jaziya, Blessings Kanowa, Mwisho Mhango, and Oscar Petro have all rejoined the Under-23 setup, adding valuable experience and depth.
The Junior Flames have also been boosted by the inclusion of several players who featured for Malawi at the recently concluded COSAFA Under-20 tournament.
Kondwani Tebulo, James Lumbe, Lameck Mithi, Misheck Billiat, Clever Kalambo, and Precious Kwalenga are among those joining the U-23 squad, giving Mpinganjira additional options as he prepares his side for the decisive encounter.
The qualifier carries added significance, with the aggregate winner advancing in the race for a place at next year’s AFCON Under-23 finals in Egypt.
The tournament also serves as the direct pathway to qualification for the Olympic Games.
For Malawi, the immediate objective will be to capitalize on home support in Lilongwe and secure a comfortable lead, as Mpinganjira calls for a disciplined and committed performance to begin their qualifying campaign on a high note.
GPGrace Phiri
2h agoFinally some clarity on this. Thanks for the detailed breakdown.
JBJames Banda
1h agoI hope the authorities actually follow through this time.
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