Malawi National Football Team on Thursday played against Zambia’s Chipolopolo in an international friendly match ahead of Africa Cup of Nations- AFCON qualifying match against Burkina Faso amid fears of coronavirus epidemic.

During the match played at Nkoloma Stadium in Zambia, Malawi succumbed to Zambia by a one goal to nil.

The Flames will play next against Burkina Faso on March 23, 2020 which has currently registered two cases of coronavirus epidemic which has caused havoc across the globe.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) competitions director, Gomezgani Zakazaka said the association cannot comment on this issue of safety of the Flames squad because they only follow a directive from the Ministry of Sports.

“I don’t think we can give you a proper comment on the matter as it is the Ministry of Sports that clears whether should players leave the country or not,” Zakazaka said.

However, efforts to speak to officials from the ministry proved futile.