Malawi national football team
![]() | ||||
Nickname(s) | Flames | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Association | FAM | |||
Confederation | CAF (Africa) | |||
Sub-confederation | COSAFA (Southern Africa) | |||
Head coach | Callisto Pasuwa (caretaker) | |||
Captain | Limbikani Mzava | |||
Most caps | Young Chimodzi (159) | |||
Top scorer | Kinnah Phiri (71) | |||
Home stadium | Bingu National Stadium | |||
FIFA code | MWI | |||
| ||||
FIFA ranking | ||||
Current | 127 ![]() | |||
Highest | 53 (December 1992) | |||
Lowest | 138 (December 2007, March 2008) | |||
First international | ||||
![]() ![]() (Malawi; 1957)[2] | ||||
Biggest win | ||||
![]() ![]() (Malawi; 13 July 1968) ![]() ![]() (Blantyre, Malawi; 31 May 2008) | ||||
Biggest defeat | ||||
![]() ![]() (Malawi; 15 October 1962)[2] | ||||
Africa Cup of Nations | ||||
Appearances | 3 (first in 1984) | |||
Best result | Round of 16 (2021) | |||
COSAFA Cup | ||||
Appearances | 19 (first in 1997) | |||
Best result | Runners-up (2002, 2003) | |||
The Malawi national football team represents Malawi in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of Malawi. Before 1966, it was known as the Nyasaland national football team.
They have qualified for three Africa Cup of Nations, in 1984, 2010 and 2021. They also won the CECAFA Cup in 1978, 1979 and 1988.
History
Malawi first qualified for an African Cup of Nations in 1984, when only eight teams competed in the tournament in Ivory Coast. After a 3-0 defeat against Algeria, World Cup participants in 1982 and 1986, the Malawi drew 2-2 in the second game against eventual finalists Nigeria. With a 0–1 loss against Ghana, Malawi ended the group stage with 1 point at the bottom of the table and was eliminated from the tournament.
After 26 years, Malawi took part in an Africa Cup of Nations again in 2010. The team benefited from the fact that the continental elimination round for the 2010 FIFA World Cup also served as the qualifying round for AFCON. In the group matches of the third round, Malawi, third place behind Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso and with a record of only four points and 4–11 goal difference, was enough to make it to the continental finals.
At the tournament in Angola, Kinnah Phiri's team caused a big surprise. In the first group game, Malawi defeated Algeria, which had qualified for the World Cup, 3-0. One of the goalscorers was striker Russel Mwafulirwa, who at the time was under contract for the Swedish first division club IFK Norrköping and was thus one of only two players in the 23-man squad active in Europe. Malawi lost the second game against hosts Angola, 2-0.
For Malawi to have reached the quarter-finals for the first time, a draw in the last group game would have been enough. However, the team lost 3-1 to Mali. After just three minutes, the Malawians were 2-0 down, a goal from Mwafulirwa did nothing to avert the team's elimination.
Results and fixtures
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
Win Draw Loss Fixture
2022
5 June 2023 AFCON qualification | Malawi ![]() | 2–1 | ![]() | Lilongwe, Malawi |
18:00 | Report | Stadium: Bingu National Stadium Referee: Abongile Tom (South Africa) |
9 June 2023 AFCON qualification | Guinea ![]() | 1–0 | ![]() | Conakry, Guinea |
19:00 |
|
Report | Stadium: General Lansana Conté Stadium Referee: Lamin Jammeh (Gambia) |
6 July 2022 COSAFA Cup | Lesotho ![]() | 2–1 | ![]() | Durban, South Africa |
|
Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium |
8 July 2022 COSAFA Cup | Malawi ![]() | 1–1 | ![]() | Durban, South Africa |
|
Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium |
10 July 2022 COSAFA Cup | Mauritius ![]() | 0–2 | ![]() | KwaMashu, South Africa |
|
Stadium: Princess Magogo Stadium |
2023
25 February Friendly | Malawi ![]() | 1–1 | ![]() | Lilongwe, Malawi |
15:00 UTC+2 | Report | Thabantso ![]() |
Stadium: Bingu National Stadium Referee: Newtone Nyirenda (Malawi) |
15 March Unofficial Friendly | Malawi ![]() | 1–1 | ![]() | Medina, Saudi Arabia |
|
|
Stadium: Prince Mohammed bin Abdul Aziz Stadium |
24 March 2023 AFCON qualification | Egypt ![]() | 2–0 | ![]() | Cairo, Egypt |
20:00 UTC+2 |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: 30 June Stadium Referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon) |
28 March 2023 AFCON qualification | Malawi ![]() | 0–4 | ![]() | Lilongwe, Malawi |
15:00 UTC+2 | Report | Stadium: Bingu National Stadium Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania) |
June 2023 AFCON qualification | Ethiopia ![]() | v | ![]() | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
--:-- UTC+3 | Report | Stadium: Addis Ababa Stadium |
September 2023 AFCON qualification | Malawi ![]() | v | ![]() | Lilongwe, Malawi |
--:-- UTC+2 | Report | Stadium: Bingu National Stadium |
Coaching staff
Position | Name |
---|---|
Head Coach | ![]() |
1st Assistant coach | ![]() |
2nd Assistant coach | ![]() |
Goalkeeping coach | ![]() |
Team manager | ![]() |
Coach | ![]() |
Coach | ![]() |
Data Analyst | ![]() |
Physiotherapist | ![]() |
Team Doctor | ![]() |
Kitmaster | ![]() |
Media Manager | ![]() |
Technical Manager | ![]() |
Assistant Technical Manager | ![]() |
Coaching history
- Caretaker coaches are listed in italics
Jack Chamangwana (1998–99)
Young Chimodzi (1999–00)
Kim Splidsboel (2000–02)
Alan Gillett (2003)
Edington Ng'onamo (2003–04)
John Kaputa (2004)
Yassin Osman (2004–05)
Michael Hennigan (2005)
Burkhard Ziese (2005–06)
Kinnah Phiri (2006–07)
Stephen Constantine (2007–08)
Kinnah Phiri (2009–12)
Edington Ng'onamo (2012–13)
Tom Saintfiet (2013)
Young Chimodzi (2014–15)
Ernest Mtawali (2015–16)
Ramadhan Nsanzurwimo (2016–17)
Gerald Phiri Sr. (2017)
Ronny Van Geneugden (2017–19)
Meke Mwase (2019–2021)
Mario Marinică (2021–2023)
Callisto Pasuwa (2023–present)
Squad
The following players were called up for the 2023 AFCON qualification matches against Egypt on 24 and 28 March 2023.[4]
Caps and goals correct as of: 28 March 2023, after the match against Egypt
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GK | Brighton Munthali | 11 December 1997 | 25 | 0 | ![]() |
GK | Charles Thomu | 24 January 1999 | 7 | 0 | ![]() | |
GK | Clever Nkungula | 13 February 2000 | 3 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Stanley Sanudi | 2 February 1995 | 76 | 1 | ![]() | |
DF | Gomezgani Chirwa | 25 September 1996 | 24 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Miracle Gabeya | 14 January 1996 | 14 | 1 | ![]() | |
DF | Lawrence Chaziya | 19 August 1998 | 9 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Paul Ndhlovu | 18 February 1992 | 5 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Nickson Mwase | 20 February 1997 | 3 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Kelvin Kadzinje | 4 April 1999 | 2 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Alick Lungu | 24 March 2002 | 3 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Blessings Mpokera | 2 April 2002 | 1 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Kieran Ngwenya | 25 September 2002 | 1 | 0 | ![]() | |
MF | John Banda | 20 August 1993 | 86 | 7 | ![]() | |
MF | Micium Mhone | 19 January 1992 | 59 | 6 | ![]() | |
MF | Chimwemwe Idana | 7 September 1998 | 41 | 0 | ![]() | |
MF | Francisco Madinga | 11 February 2000 | 13 | 0 | ![]() | |
MF | Gilbert Chirwa | 14 February 1994 | 4 | 0 | ![]() | |
MF | Patrick Mwaungulu | 18 February 2002 | 3 | 0 | ![]() | |
MF | Frank Willard | 1 | 0 | ![]() | ||
MF | Chawanangwa Gumbo | 0 | 0 | ![]() | ||
FW | Chiukepo Msowoya | 23 September 1988 | 89 | 22 | ![]() | |
FW | Stain Davie | 23 September 1997 | 11 | 0 | ![]() | |
FW | Gaddie Chirwa | 30 November 1997 | 4 | 0 | ![]() | |
FW | Christopher Kumwembe | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
The following players have been called up in 12 months preceding the above draft.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Ernest Kakhobwe | 26 June 1993 | 28 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Dennis Chembezi | 15 January 1997 | 34 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Mark Fodya | 22 December 1997 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Chikoti Chirwa | 19 September 1992 | 37 | 2 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Charles Petro | 8 February 2001 | 30 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Gerald Phiri Jr. | 8 June 1993 | 51 | 11 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Peter Banda | 22 September 2000 | 23 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Yamikani Chester | 20 December 1994 | 38 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Gabadinho Mhango | 27 September 1992 | 68 | 17 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Khuda Muyaba | 26 December 1993 | 29 | 5 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
Records
- As of 25 February 2023[5]
- Players in bold are still active with Malawi.
Most appearances
Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Career |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Young Chimodzi | 159 | 13 | 1979–1995 |
2 | Jack Chamangwana | 133 | 10 | 1975–1985 |
3 | Lawrence Waya | 129 | 28 | 1982–1996 |
4 | Harry Waya | 126 | 8 | 1977–1987 |
5 | Kinnah Phiri | 117 | 71 | 1973–1981 |
6 | Gilbert Chirwa | 112 | 4 | 1981–1993 |
7 | Jonathan Billie | 110 | 8 | 1978–1987 |
8 | Joseph Kamwendo | 104 | 6 | 2003–2017 |
9 | Felix Nyirongo | 103 | 2 | 1986–1997 |
10 | Peter Mponda | 102 | 1 | 1998–2011 |
Top goalscorers
Rank | Player | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Career |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Kinnah Phiri | 71 | 117 | 0.61 | 1973–1981 |
2 | Frank Sinalo | 28 | 75 | 0.37 | 1981–1989 |
Lawrence Waya | 28 | 129 | 0.22 | 1982–1996 | |
4 | Stock Dandize | 23 | 70 | 0.33 | 1977–1983 |
5 | Yasin Osman | 22 | 67 | 0.33 | 1966–1975 |
Essau Kanyenda | 22 | 72 | 0.31 | 1999–2015 | |
Chiukepo Msowoya | 22 | 89 | 0.25 | 2006–present | |
8 | Peterkins Kayira | 18 | 68 | 0.26 | 1983–1989 |
9 | Barnet Gondwe | 17 | 66 | 0.26 | 1976–1981 |
Gabadinho Mhango | 17 | 68 | 0.25 | 2012–present | |
Competition records
FIFA World Cup
Final | Qualification | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |||
![]() |
did not enter | did not enter | ||||||||||||||||
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did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | |||||||||||
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2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||||||||||||
![]() |
4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 2 | ||||||||||||
![]() |
8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||
![]() |
Withdrew | Withdrew | ||||||||||||||||
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did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | |||||||||||
![]() ![]() |
8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 12 | ||||||||||||
![]() |
12 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 15 | 27 | ||||||||||||
![]() |
12 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 18 | 16 | ||||||||||||
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6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 5 | ||||||||||||
![]() |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||||
![]() |
8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 7 | ||||||||||||
![]() ![]() ![]() |
to be determined | to be determined | ||||||||||||||||
Total | 66 | 17 | 17 | 32 | 60 | 90 |
Africa Cup of Nations
Final | Qualification | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Squad | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
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Not affiliated to CAF | Not affiliated to CAF | ||||||||||||||
![]() | ||||||||||||||||
![]() | ||||||||||||||||
![]() | ||||||||||||||||
![]() | did not enter | did not enter | ||||||||||||||
![]() |
did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 9 | |||||||||
![]() |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | ||||||||||
![]() |
4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 7 | ||||||||||
![]() |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||
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Group stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | Squad | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | |
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did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | |||||||||
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | ||||||||||
![]() |
4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 4 | ||||||||||
![]() |
4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 9 | ||||||||||
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6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 7 | ||||||||||
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6 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 7 | ||||||||||
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6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 10 | ||||||||||
![]() ![]() |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | ||||||||||
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4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 10 | ||||||||||
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12 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 15 | 27 | ||||||||||
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4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6 | ||||||||||
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Group stage | 11th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | Squad | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 5 | |
![]() ![]() |
did not qualify | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 13 | 8 | |||||||||
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4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 6 | ||||||||||
![]() |
6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 9 | ||||||||||
![]() |
6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 9 | ||||||||||
![]() |
6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 6 | ||||||||||
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Round of 16 | 13th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Squad | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | |
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to be determined | to be determined | ||||||||||||||
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Total | 10 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 110 | 31 | 28 | 51 | 121 | 165 |
Head-to-head record
As of 17 November 2019 after match against Uganda[6]
More wins than losses As many wins as losses Fewer wins than losses
Opponent |
Pld |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
GD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 13 | −7 |
![]() | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 10 | −2 |
![]() | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
![]() | 25 | 12 | 8 | 5 | 47 | 21 | +26 |
![]() | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 7 | −4 |
![]() | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 | −2 |
![]() | 9 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 13 | −7 |
![]() | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 15 | 10 | +5 |
![]() | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 |
![]() | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | −2 |
![]() | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 1 | +16 |
![]() | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 9 | −1 |
![]() | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 14 | −6 |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 |
![]() | 27 | 11 | 11 | 5 | 40 | 21 | +19 |
![]() | 11 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 11 | 9 | +2 |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 |
![]() | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 17 | −17 |
![]() | 7 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 10 | −3 |
![]() | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 12 | −5 |
![]() | 47 | 19 | 18 | 10 | 61 | 46 | +15 |
![]() | 20 | 13 | 4 | 3 | 43 | 12 | +31 |
![]() | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | −2 |
![]() | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | −2 |
![]() | 10 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 12 | 21 | −9 |
![]() | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 8 | −3 |
![]() | 20 | 11 | 5 | 4 | 31 | 19 | +12 |
![]() | 10 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 15 | −12 |
![]() | 31 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 34 | 29 | +5 |
![]() | 15 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 15 | 20 | −5 |
![]() | 8 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 20 | −11 |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | +6 |
![]() | 9 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 16 | 9 | +7 |
![]() | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 7 | −2 |
![]() | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 |
![]() | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 5 | +9 |
![]() | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 |
![]() | 13 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 5 | 20 | −15 |
![]() | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 |
![]() | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 |
![]() | 55 | 17 | 25 | 13 | 62 | 52 | +10 |
![]() | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 |
![]() | 7 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 16 | −8 |
![]() | 31 | 8 | 9 | 14 | 32 | 39 | −7 |
![]() | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 |
![]() | 79 | 19 | 17 | 43 | 68 | 170 | −102 |
![]() | 15 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 34 | 10 | +24 |
![]() | 64 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 60 | 82 | −22 |
Total | 620 | 212 | 182 | 226 | 746 | 798 | −52 |
References
- "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 6 April 2023. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
- "Marinica names 2023 AFCON qualifiers provisional squad, Football Association of Malawi May 5th, 2022". 4 May 2022.
- "Flames off to Saudi Tomorrow". FAM. Football Association of Malawi. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
- Mamrud, Roberto. "Malawi - Record International Players". RSSSF.
- "World Football Elo Ratings: Malawi". Elo Ratings. Retrieved 15 July 2017.
External links
