Flames game grosses $60 000

The 2013 Afcon qualifier encounter between the Flames and Ghana’s Black Stars at Civo Stadium on Saturday grossed K18 million (about $60 000 at current exchange rate).

Both Football Association of Malawi (FAM) commercial manager Casper Jangale and Central Region Football Committee (CRFC) treasurer Payson Likagwa confirmed the figure.

FAM targeted over K15 million (about $50 000) from the game.

Among others, Jangale applauded Central Region fans for patronising the match.

“The response has been good although we would have wanted to give Lilongwe fans a victory, but it happens in football. We targeted over K15 million [$50 000] and we have achieved it, which is a good development. We applaud Lilongwe fans as well as fans from other districts for coming to cheer the Flames and support as well,” said Jangale.

He said he was impressed with all arrangements at the stadium.

“I was also impressed with the service measures at the stadium. We deployed over 350 police officers and people were screened from the main gate. Sharp objects were not allowed to get in from that main gate and vending was also not allowed in, so they were outside the main gate and we had no congestion inside,” he said.

Soccer fan Jeston Chipote commended the system saying it eased passage into the stadium.

“The development was good and we had no difficulties. It was a good system and this system should be encouraged even in our local games,” said Chipote.

Flames lost the game 1-0.