Malawi Beach Soccer National Team head coach Willy Kumilambe has described the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draw as fair, expressing confidence in his team’s chances despite being drawn alongside Mauritania, Morocco and Angola in Group B.
The Beach Soccer Hustlers learned their group opponents following the draw for the continental showpiece, which will take place in Senegal from 28 November to 6 December 2026.
Reacting to the draw, Kumilambe acknowledged the quality of the teams that have qualified for the tournament but said he was comfortable with Malawi’s group.
“It’s a good draw. We are talking about the best eight teams in Africa, so each group is comprised of very good teams. I’m comfortable with the group we are in, and I believe it’s a fair draw,” said Kumilambe.
The coach, however, identified limited international exposure among some of his players as a major concern, particularly when it comes to making substitutions during high-intensity matches. “I have experienced players in my team. The only problem I have is when I think of substitutions because the upcoming players I have brought into the team don’t have much international exposure,” he said.
Kumilambe said he wants the less experienced players to gain more international exposure and playing time to build the confidence required to compete at the highest level. He noted that beach soccer is different from 11-a-side football, as mistakes at any stage of a match can have serious consequences.
Malawi will now look to strengthen their preparations ahead of the tournament, with particular attention on giving the less experienced players opportunities to improve their confidence and match readiness.
The Beach Soccer Hustlers will be making their third consecutive appearance at the continental competition, having previously participated in the 2022 edition in Mozambique and the 2024 tournament in Egypt.
Malawi secured qualification for this year’s tournament after defeating Seychelles 16-3 on aggregate, winning the first leg 6-2 away before recording a convincing 10-1 victory in the return fixture at Salima Livingstonia Beach. The tournament will run from 28 November to 6 December 2026, with the two finalists qualifying for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
