Malawi will begin their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign with a fixture against Burundi at the Bingu National Stadium on Thursday.

This is the first game of this group, the teams will be looking for points in this start of the playoffs where each one will go all out.

The AFCON is held every two years at the beginning of the year, so the waiting time is still a long way off.

Malawi goalkeeper Charles Chisale was called up at the last minute, the youngster was called up to the national team following Brighton Munthali’s injury.

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.