Hundreds of fans yesterday braved the rains and wildly cheered the Flames on arrival at Chileka International Airport in Blantyre from a defining tour of national duty at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Cameroon.
The Flames were feted like kings after defying the odds to reach the knockout stage at the continental showpiece for the first time in the country’s football history.
The sights and sounds were a wonder to behold as admirers waved at the Flames’ team bus as they drove to Amaryllis Hotel for a celebratory dinner.
Despite emerging from the arrival section two hours after their arrival, the fans, dressed in red attire, which included the new Flames Moto replica jerseys, waited patiently to get a glimpse of their heroes.
Others sang and danced in the rain as the players started to trickle out and proceed to the waiting Flames bus.
The excitement reached the climax after some Flames stars such as three-goal hero Frank ‘Gabadinho Mhango and goalkeeper Charles Thom emerged.
The fans showered them with hugs as security personnel tried to restrict them from getting close to the players.
“Don’t restrict us from celebrating our heroes. They have to feel that they have done us proud,” one of the fans shouted.
In an interview, Flames captain Limbikani Mzava thanked the fans for the wonderful welcome.
“We are humbled to receive such a hearty welcome from our supporters. As Flames we are very happy,” he said.
Football Association of Malawi president Walter Nyamilandu said the Flames put up a gallant fight that prompted them to be respected across the continent.
“Even in Cameroon, we enjoyed respect from everyone we came across. The Flames have made the country proud,” he said.
After a brief interaction with the fans, the Flames, who arrived in two groups at the airport, proceeded to Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre for a celebratory dinner.
The Flames narrowly lost 1-0 to Guinea in Group B opener before a 2-1 comeback triumph over Zimbabwe and a goalless draw against the continent’s top-tranked side Senegal.
The results helped them to qualify for the round of 16 for being among the four best third-placed teams from the group encounters.
However, they failed to reach the quarter-final stage following a 2-1 loss to Morocco, who are ranked second on the continent with Gabadinho scoring a potential goal of the tournament; a 40-yard thunderbolt that arrowed into the top corner.
