The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has decided to terminate the contract of national team coach Patrick Mabedi with immediate effect.

This follows the disappointing performance of the Flames in the recent AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Senegal.

Mabedi was appointed as the head coach in June 2023 after the team’s impressive showing at the 2023 COSAFA Cup. However, the Flames’ recent struggles in the AFCON qualifiers have led to his dismissal.

A temporary technical team will be appointed to take charge of the remaining two qualifiers against Burundi and Burkina Faso.

“Football Association of Malawi (FAM) wishes to inform all its stakeholders and the public that it has terminated the contract of the Malawi Senior Men’s National Football Team Coach Mr. Patrick Mabedi with immediate effect,” said the Malawi FA statement.  

“This is in line with resolutions of the FAM Emergency Committee held on 28th October 2024. The decision is based on the recommendations from the Technical Committee following the dismal performance of the Flames and subsequent failure to qualify for the Total Energies AFCON 2025. 

“Football Association of Malawi would like to assure all stakeholders that it will ensure seamless continuity in the Flames’ undertakings in the various competitions. FAM will be putting together a temporary technical panel that will lead the team into the next assignments until a substantive replacement is identified. 

“We believe that stakeholders and the public will keep on rallying behind the Flames and continue to support our beloved National Team. 

“The Football Association of Malawi is grateful for the contribution made by Coach Mabedi during the time he served as Flames’ Coach and wishes the tactician all the best in his future endeavors.”  

Malawi currently sits at the bottom of Group L with zero points after four matches. Both Burkina Faso and Senegal have already secured their places in the 2025 AFCON finals with 10 points.