Furious Malawi Football National team fans chanted Patrick Mabedi’s name at the Bingu National Stadium, calling him to resign after being defeated by Burundi on Thursday.
The Flames failed to utilize a home ground advantage in their group L opener of the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers after losing 3-2 in front of their stunned home supporters.
Chimwemwe Idana gave Burundi the lead following an own goal after 22 minutes but Chawanangwa Kaonga pulled level from freekick on 31st minute in the first half. Two minutes later, the visitors restored their lead through Jean Claude Girumugisha, for the first half to end 2-1 in favor of Burundi.
The Flames fought back to equalize on 75 minutes through Lanjesi Nkhoma’s header, but with three minutes to go, Eldon scored the winner for Burundi.
After the match, furious Flames supporters staged a protest outside the Bingu National Stadium, and chanted for under fire coach to stand down.
But in response when asked if the chants put much pressure on him, Mabedi said: “There’s no pressure here, this is nothing, teams lose, and I don’t see any pressure”
“Fans wanted someone to play, and I want something different looking at tactical perspective, so sometimes you don’t need to listen. Sometimes you need to be stubborn for the good of the team, because we train with players and we understand them” he added.
Malawi will face Burkina Faso away from home next week Tuesday in their next assignment.
