Malawi National Football Team, aka, the Flames have qualified for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after beating Uganda’s Cranes 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Striker Richard Mbulu’s first half goal was enough for the Flames to secure tickets for the Afcon tournament to be staged in Cameroon.
The last time Malawi qualified for the tournament was in 2010 under the tutelage of Kinnah Phiri.
It was a ‘Likiliki’ ecstasy at the Kamuzu Stadium and in the streets of Blantyre as a throng of people celebrate ‘The Flames’ qualification for Africa Cup of Nations finals to be played in Cameroon.
The Flames lone goal was scored by Richard Mbulu, 15 minutes into the game.
The Flames will share K8 million and freebies pledged between the teams sponsor FDH Bank (K3 Millon) and Capital Oil Refining Industry – CORI (K5 million) for the Flame’s win.
Malawi last qualified for AFCON in 2010.
WHO IS RICHARD MBULU ?
Richard Mbulu was born on 27th January, 1994 in Mangochi, Malawi. When Mbulu left school, he became a soldier but later decided to pursue a career in football. His father was also a footballer and a soldier.
Having started his career at Malawi Armed Forces College following his enlistment in the armed forces, he joined Mozambican side Costa do Sol in December 2016. He later moved to Portuguese side A.D. Sanjoanense before returning to Costa do Sol in the summer of 2018. In the summer of 2019, Mbulu signed for South African side Baroka on a three-year deal.
Mbulu was called up to the Malawi national football team for the first time in January 2017, and made his debut for them on 10 June 2017 in a 1–0 win against Comoros. He scored his first goal for Malawi on 4 September 2017 in a 1–0 win against Togo.
In the last 16 minutes, Mbulu scored the first goal for Malawi during the Afcon qualifier Match against Uganda.