Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying | Group Stage

Nov 18, 2024 at 1pm UK

Bingu National Stadium

Malawivs.Burkina Faso

Match preview

Malawi only managed to get one point in qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, so they'll miss out on making the main draw of Africa's premier cup competition for the second time in a row.

The Flames' fate was sealed last month, after they were beaten twice in a row, 4-0 away and 1-0 at home by Senegal. That took them to four consecutive defeats in the competition.

So this month's matches were just a formality for them. With the pressure off, they managed to get a point playing away to third-placed Burundi last week.

While they did get the point in the last match, it was clear that newly appointed Kalisto Pasuwa's side didn't have what it took to push on for the victory. They failed to register a single shot on target against the Swallows, extending their goalless run to three matches in a row.

Meanwhile, after reaching the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, Burkina Faso have had another solid qualification campaign, earning 10 points in their five games.

Even though they lost 1-0 to Senegal last week, the Stallions are still in with a chance of making it to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. They beat Burundi 2-0 in Abidjan last month, so they're still in the running.

It looks like Brama Traore's side are going to finish second in Group L, regardless of the outcome of this matchup. They're currently six points ahead of the Swallows in the standings heading into the final match of qualifying.

When these two teams met in Bamako on matchday two of the competition, Burkina Faso won 3-1, which extended their unbeaten run against this opponent to seven matches (W5 D2 L0). This dates back to June 2000.

Recent Performance

Malawi Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:LLLLD

Malawi form (all competitions):LLLLLD

Burkina Faso Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:DWWWL

Burkina Faso form (all competitions):DDWWWL

Team News

Pasuwa decided to bring Frank Mhango, the striker from Marumo Gallants, into the national team for the first time in almost a year. He was one of the best players in the match against Burundi, so it's likely that he'll keep his spot in the starting 11 this week.

Yankho Singo is a bit doubtful for this match because of a minor knock he got last week. If he can't get back to full fitness in time, he'll probably be replaced by Lloyd Aaron in the starting lineup.

As this match doesn't affect the group standings, Traoré is likely to make a few changes to the line-up to give some of his less experienced players a chance to gain some first-team minutes.

Ousmane Camara and Josue Tiendrebeogo were the only two players who came off the bench last week and could be given starts here, possibly for Cedric Badolo and Ousseni Bouda in midfield.

Benfica's Issa Kabore played the full 90 minutes last time out, so he could be given a rest. That would likely mean Mohamed Ouedraogo would come in at the back with Issoufou Dayo and Edmond Tapsoba.

Possible starting lineup

Malawi possible starting lineup:

Chokooka; Lameck, Chembezi, Petro, Lungu; Aaron, Njaliwa, Chirwa, Nkhoma, Mhango; Kaonga

Burkina Faso possible starting lineup:

F Ouedraogo; M Ouedraogo, Dayo, Tapsoba, Yago; Simpore; Camara, Banse, Tiendrebeogo, Bande; Traore