Malawi vs South Sudan - Africa Cup of Nations - Qualification

A fascinating Africa Cup of Nations - Qualification chapter awaits on September 25, 2026 when Malawi take on South Sudan at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. The 25-year-old suffered the injury after an inadvertent clash with his own team-mate as he and Mathias Olivera both challenged for possession late in the first half.

Both camps will view the Africa Cup of Nations - Qualification meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. South Sudan's away form is hard to read, but they will arrive with the belief that they can trouble their hosts. Newcastle had agreed a deal worth £49m for the Switzerland international, who was a breakout star at the World Cup as he scored three goals in their run to the quarter-finals.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Malawi favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas South Sudan are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Schalke had only 17 per cent of the possession but, having visited the club to interview their charismatic coach Miron Muslic, that is hardly a surprise.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Chelsea have confirmed the signing of former Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. With positions in the Africa Cup of Nations - Qualification table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. England captain Harry Kane is likely to sign a new deal to extend his stay at Bayern Munich despite interest from Barcelona.