Flames fall to Botswana in penalty shootout on Independence Day

Malawi’s Flames lost 0-3 on penalties to Botswana’s Zebras after a 1-1 draw in regulation during Sunday’s Independence Day friendly match at Bingu National Stadium (NBS) in Lilongwe.

The highly anticipated match formed part of Malawi’s 61^st Independence Day celebrations and was graced by President Lazarus Chakwera and Botswana’s President, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, as the guest of honour.

Botswana opened the scoring in the 47^th minute through Thabang Sesinyi, but Malawi equalized late in the 80^th minute after a Botswana own goal silenced the visiting supporters.

Though it was an international friendly, the match had a trophy on the line, prompting penalties where all three Flames players failed to score, handing Botswana a 3-0 win.

Flames Head Coach, Calisto Pasuwa, applauded his squad’s effort, describing the team’s performance as an improvement from their goalless outings during the recent COSAFA Cup tournament in South Africa.

“At COSAFA we failed to score even one goal, but today we managed to hit the net. It shows we are improving step by step,” said Pasuwa post-match.

Pasuwa reflected on football progress in Malawi since independence in 1964, saying the sport is developing and the team is steadily becoming more competitive on the regional and continental stages.

“Improvement is little by little. We can’t jump from one to seven, but the signs are there. I believe we are heading in the right direction,” Pasuwa added.

Botswana Head Coach, Morena Ramoreboli, praised his side for the victory, noting that although the own goal was unfortunate, the team remained composed and executed well in the shootout.

Ramoreboli emphasized the importance of the game in strengthening bilateral ties, suggesting it could help open football opportunities between Malawi and Botswana in both directions.

“This friendship will open doors. Flames players can play in Botswana, and our players will also explore opportunities here in Malawi,” Ramoreboli said with optimism.

Malawi celebrated 61 years of independence from the British colonial rule, with events held under the theme: “Restoring the Broken Foundation: Taking Malawi Forward.”

The football match was a key highlight.