MALAWI WITHDRAWS FROM COSAFA CUP

Football Association of Malawi has announced that the Flames has withdrawn from this year's COSAFA Cup following a 21 day mourning after the death of State Vice President, Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima and 8 others on Monday.

This has been confirmed through a Press release saying the team will not be able to continue with participation in the tournament to respect the souls of Dr Chilima and the other 8.

"Considering the sorrowful atmosphere as the result of the tragic passing of the State Vice President, Right Honourable Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others and the subsequent 21-day mourning period declared by the government, FAM highly considered it insensitive to proceed with our preparations and subsequent participation in the championship." Wrote FAM.

Meanwhile, the Association says it remains committed to the technical development and growth of the national team and that it will arrange series of friendly matches to ensure continued preparatio

However, the COSAFA Cup draw has been conducted on Friday with Malawi not included as three groups comprised of four team each are now known. This is the draw:

GROUP A
South Africa
Mozambique
Eswatini
Botswana

GROUP B
Zambia
(Team to be confirmed)
Comoros
Zimbabwe

GROUP C
Angola
Namibia
Lesotho
Seychelles