Malawi suffered a shock 3-2 defeat against Burundi in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying group opener at the Bingu National Stadium on Thursday.
Playing with the support of their fans, the Flames started the game on a high looking to take an early lead. The first scoring opportunity fell to Chifundo Mphasi in the sixth minute, but his weak effort was dealt with by goalkeeper Matteo Nkurunzinza.
Five minutes later, Lanjesi Nkhoma then had another great opportunity to score for the Flames but after being put through by Chawa, he shot straight to the waiting hands of Nkurunzinza.
Malawi then paid for the missed chances after Burundi took the lead against the run of play in the 22nd minute. An in-swinging cross from Youssouf Ndayishimiye found its way into the Malawi dangerzone and defender Chimwemwe Idana failed to clear instead scoring into his own net.
Malawi responded with an array of attacks and they were rewarded in the 31st minute when Chawa scored past Nkurunzinza to level the scoreline. However, Malawi’s celebrations were short-lived as Burundi regained their lead two minutes later through Jean Claude Girumugisha, who finished off a cross from Bienvenue Kanakimana.
The Swallows went into the half-time break enjoying a 2-1 lead and their coach Etienne Ndayiragije deserved to be happy with the performance of his players as they had dominated the Flames in all departments despite playing away.
The second half kicked off with Malawi looking lively and eager to make amends but they had to wait until the 75th minute when they levelled matters through Nkhoma, who finished off a lovely cross from Chawa.
However, it was the Swallows, who had the last laugh after Mokono Eldhino, who had come on in the 59th minute for captain Saidi Ntibazonkiza, scored what turned out to be the winner in the 87th minute.
Malawi starting XI: George Chokooka, Denis Chembezi, Nickson Mwale, Stanley Sanudi, Gomezgani Chirwa, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Lloyd Aaron, Chimwemwe Idana, Yamikani Chester, Chawa, Chifundo Mphasi.
Burundi starting XI: Matteo Nkurunzinza, Abdoul Manirakoze, Frederic Nsabiyumva, Youssouf Ndayishimiye, Prince Musore, Aruna Mussa, Tresor Mossi, Bienvenue Kanakimana, Saidi Ntibazonkiza, Jean Claude Girumugisha, Hussein Shabani.