Flames players have apologised to the nation for their failure to reach the paid ranks of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Cameroon.
Malawi were just a step from making the last eight of the continental showpiece, which goes with a $1.175 million (about K970 million) prize, but were booted out by Morocco’s Atlas Lions 2-1 on Tuesday.
Flames vice-captain John ‘CJ’ Banda said: “We have to say sorry to the nation because we raised the expectations following our impressive performance in the group stage.
“We wanted more, but things did not go our way, nevertheless there are a lot of positives to be drawn from the campaign.
“We thank everyone for the support and special mention to President Lazarus Chakwera. We know we have a lot of problems in Malawi, but many still supported our cause financially and materially and we do not take that for granted.
“We also believe that we played our part in uniting Malawians.”
However, the stand-in-captain for injured captain Limbikani Mzava said they were happy to have left a mark because nobody believed in their cause.
Banda said: “We thank God and praise His name for taking us this far, we know that no one believed we could go that far.
“As players we are proud of ourselves.”
He also said having raised the bar, the challenge will be to keep up the momentum.
Chakwera and Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Walter Nyamilandu also hailed the Flames for their spirited performance.
In a statement, Chakwera said: “I am personally filled with joy and gratefulness for the remarkable performance you have displayed at the Afcon tournament. You have written a new history of our nation’s football.
“Although you did not qualify to the next round, you have left all of us feeling very proud of you and with more hope for a brighter future. Walk with your heads held high and we wait to welcome you with pride back home.”
On his part, Nyamilandu said: “You are our heroes. You fought a good fight and rattled the cage of the Atlas Lions of Morocco. We played to our last breath and went down fighting.
“We came as underdogs, but left an indelible mark at Afcon. I salute you for making Malawi proud. Our dream of raising the bar lives on.”
The Flames are expected back home today through Chileka International Airport in Blantyre.
