Despite Malawi failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the country's football association (FAM) made a consoling gesture to Gabadinho Mhango and his teammates.
Malawi ended their disappointing qualifying campaign with a 3-0 demolition of Burkina Faso on Monday, but the result proved immaterial as they finished bottom of Group L.
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They began their qualifiers with four straight defeats against Burundi, Burkina Faso and Senegal (twice).
This led to the sacking of the then-head coach and former Kaizer Chiefs star Patrick Mabedi.
The Flames showed some resurgence in their final two games, picking up a draw and a victory, but it wasn't enough as they have now missed a second successive AFCON.
Despite their disappointing run, FAM hosted a dinner for the players to encourage them to improve in their next assignment, qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
"A special shout out to the team for finishing the group stage on a high though we didn't qualify, but the future looks bright," said FAM president Fleetwood Haiya.
In Mhango's case, the Marumo Gallants star missed four of his country's six qualifiers, featuring only in the last two games against Burundi and Burkina Faso.
The side collected four points from those matches, with Mhango scoring one goal in the process.
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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