The Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, were kept waiting for nearly two hours after arriving in Luanda, Angola, on Sunday.
The Flames touched down at 4:30 pm at De Fevereiro International Airport but found no official from the Angola Football Federation to welcome them.
After some time, officials arrived and explained that there had been confusion over the team’s arrival, as they had expected the Malawi delegation to land at the new airport in Luanda.
The officials apologised to the Flames for the delay before the team eventually left the airport nearly two hours later.
Football Association of Malawi vice-president Madalitso Kuyera said the incident will be investigated.
The Flames travelled to Angola ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the hosts at Estadio 11 de Novembro on Tuesday.
The team departed Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe on Sunday morning.
Head coach Kalisto Pasuwa named a 24-member squad for the encounter, including three new players, Ekhaya FC goalkeeper Amos Sande, Silver Strikers midfielder Robert Saizi and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets midfielder Chawanangwa Gumbo.
The trio was not part of the squad that defeated South Sudan 2-1 in Malawi’s opening Group B match at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on 25 September.
Mozambique-based striker Richard Mbulu has also travelled with the team and could be available for selection against Angola.
The Flames are second in Group B with three points following their opening victory over South Sudan, while Egypt lead the group with four points from two matches.
The Flames touched down at 4:30 pm at De Fevereiro International Airport but found no official from the Angola Football Federation to welcome them.
After some time, officials arrived and explained that there had been confusion over the team’s arrival, as they had expected the Malawi delegation to land at the new airport in Luanda.
The officials apologised to the Flames for the delay before the team eventually left the airport nearly two hours later.
Football Association of Malawi vice-president Madalitso Kuyera said the incident will be investigated.
The Flames travelled to Angola ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the hosts at Estadio 11 de Novembro on Tuesday.
The team departed Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe on Sunday morning.
Head coach Kalisto Pasuwa named a 24-member squad for the encounter, including three new players, Ekhaya FC goalkeeper Amos Sande, Silver Strikers midfielder Robert Saizi and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets midfielder Chawanangwa Gumbo.
The trio was not part of the squad that defeated South Sudan 2-1 in Malawi’s opening Group B match at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on 25 September.
Mozambique-based striker Richard Mbulu has also travelled with the team and could be available for selection against Angola.
The Flames are second in Group B with three points following their opening victory over South Sudan, while Egypt lead the group with four points from two matches.
