AFCON 2021: Malawi's Flames Win Hearts After Courageous Showing in Tough Last 16 Defeat by Morocco

• Malawi won favour with locals and admirers across the continent despite their 2-1 last 16 loss to Morocco
• The Flames will remember this tournament fondly, having qualified for the knockouts for the first time in the country's history
• The quarter-finals-bound Morocco will now await the victor of the headline-grabbing clash between the Ivory Coast and Egypt

As the dust settles after a dramatic encounter, Malawi continued to receive praise from home and abroad after their courageous 2-1 loss to Tunisia in Cameroon.

The tournament saw The Flames reach the knockout stages of the African Cup of Nations for the very first time after escaping from a rather tough group B. Negotiating past Senegal, Guinea and Zimbabwe, it was at the third time of asking that they made it this far after failures in 1984 and 2010.

A wonder strike from star man Gabadinho Mhango put them into an early lead before the Atlas Lions fought back via goals Youssef En-Nesyri and Achraf Hakimi, the Mail & Guardian reported. As per News24, they advanced to the quarterfinals, where they await the winner of the headline clash between the Ivory Coast and Egypt.

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Football

The Malawians' showing drew applause across the continent.

Elvis Chilonda said:

"Proud of you Malawi! You fought a good fight not only in Malawi but also here in Zambia and the entire southern Africa. We believe next time you will go beyond this. Keep it up."

Xolani Kula said:

"It was so unfortunate for Malawians. They put on a good show but the best team won."

Sharlen Shez said:

"Walk with your heads up, guys. You dedicated yourselves fully. Proud of you. Team spirit so tremendous indeed. May God bless you all and enlarge your territories. Salute!"

Concern as Sadio Mane suffers worrying head injury after collision

Ahead of the Malawi and Morocco Last 16 clash, concern spread across the football world after Senegal star Sadio Mane suffered a seemingly serious head injury.

As reported on Sports Brief, it occurred in the Lions of Teranga's 2-0 win over Cape Verde, Mane was forced off the pitch with a suspected concussion, moments after scoring a sublime goal to give his nation the lead in the second half.

He collided with Verdean goalkeeper Josimar Dias, known as Vozinha, when both players went up to head the ball. Vozinha was then sent off by the referee after VAR was consulted for suspected foul play.