Malawi’s National Football Team, The Flames has made it to TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations’ (AFCON) round of 16 after finishing as one of the four best third-placed teams.

The Flames have made it to the knockout stage following the results from Group D which saw Nigeria and Egypt qualifying as the pool’s leaders and runners-up, respectively.

Nigeria have finished on top with nine points following their 2-0 victory over Guinea Bissau while Egypt are second with six points after beating Sudan 1-0.

In his remarks Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu said he was lost of words after the Flames was confirmed.

“This is incredible. It’s a milestone to qualify to the knock out stages of 16 teams in Afcon. The history books have been rewritten with this new generation,” Nyamilandu said.

He added; “I applaud the players for this rare feat and the technical panel for grooming such a formidable side. I am happy that the Flames have repaid the faith of the soccer-loving Malawians that rallied behind the team during a long dry spell.”

Marinica, in an interview yesterday, thanked his players and technical panel for making it to the last 16.

He said: “We worked very hard to achieve this. I am proud of the players and the technical panel for this achievement.”