The game of football is undeniably a very great unifying factor world over. The Malawian national soccer side, the Flames sent the whole nation buzzing with excitement as the South African side qualified for the AFCON finals since 2010.

The Malawi Flames beat Uganda to a narrow 1-0 win at Kamuzu Stadium, Blantyre city.

Richard Mbulu’s headed-in goal as early as the 16th was enough to help the Malawi Flames to knock out the Uganda Cranes to qualify for January 2022’s delayed 2021 AFCON Finals in Cameroon.

Motorists uniformly hooted in excitement allover Malawi. The soccer fans filled the cities and all towns in Malawi like there were no COVID19 restrictions. Infact, the Flames’ celebratory parade around Blantyre city was organised today morning, in conjunction with the state.

It was also only Malawi’s 3rd time to qualify for Africa’s most prestigious tournament, and the cause for their wild celebrations is the same reason for Uganda’s sorrow, directed mostly towards the staunch soccer fans who passionately followed all the proceeds.

Regarded a hero at the moment back home in Malawi, Mbulu literally buried Uganda’s hope of playing in the AFCON finals for a 3rd consecutive attempt.

Mbulu, who plies his trade with South African club Baroka FC is also a trained army man back in Malawi.

The 27-year-old corporal joined the Malawian military 7 years ago. He played for the Malawi Armed Forces College and was their top striker.

Upto now, Mbulu remains a recognized Malawian soldier despite his active football career.

“I am still a soldier, it’s not like I have retired. Whenever I go back home, I report to the military and they tell me what to do,” Mbulu narrated to a South African paper.

“Even when I retire from football, I will be a soldier full time. I joined because my father is also a soldier, so that was my motivation,” Mbulu added.

Mbulu’s sole goal for Malawi against Uganda was the 2nd of the only two times Uganda has conceded in the just concluded AFCON Qualifiers.

Emmanuel Okwi, Fahad Bayo and Halid Lwaliwa, each only once found the back of the net for Uganda in their unsuccessful campaign, and they’ll have to try another time.

Let’s Shift The Focus To World Cup – Aucho Urges Fellow Cranes Players.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Ugandan Football Association (FUFA) has encouraged it’s players to raise up their heads and move on to the next step with the World Cup qualifiers due mid year around the corner.

It’s perhaps the end of the road for Uganda in next year’s AFCON, but neither the end of life nor football.

Suspended towering midfielder, Khalid Aucho urged his colleagues to stay focused and concentrated for the next test.

“Hard luck my brothers, my country Uganda, let’s focus on world Cup qualifies in June. May Allah protect you and bless you more guys,” Aucho said.

“And to the fans, thanks for supporting uganda cranes next time we shall make it as we have been doing it. Thanks alot,” he added.

“FUFA has a lot to reflect on in all departments and the overall governance,” former presidential candidate and key opposition leader, Kizza Besigye who is a staunch football lover lover also advised before adding;

“In both bad and good times, we’ve only the Uganda Cranes to back and we shall back it all the way. Thanks Onyango & Team.”

Uganda will battle in group E with Mali, Kenya and Rwanda qualify for the first-ever World Cup in Qatar 2022.

Cranes will therefore play four derby games against East African Countries on their world cup qualification journey.

During the draws in Cairo, the Harambee Stars of Kenya and Amavubi Stars of Rwanda are the two East African teams drawn with the Cranes in Group E. West African giant Mali is the other nation in the group.

None of the four teams has ever qualified for the final World Cup in history.

By Baron Kironde