AFCON 2021: PSL Player Gabadinho Mhango Selected in FIFA 22 FUT Team of the Week

• In a boost for Malawian and South African football, forward Gabadinho Mhango was named in the FIFA 22 Team of the Week
• Mhango has been in fine form, helping The Flames advance to the last 16 of the 2021 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon
• It is a very rare occurrence for African football players plying their trade across the continent to receive such recognition

Malawian and South African video game enthusiasts will have something to celebrate and enjoy on their consoles this weekend.

The Flames and Buccaneers forward Gabadinho Mhango was named in the FIFA 22 Ultitmate Team of the Week. This was in recognition of his performances for the Malawians at the 2021 African Cup of Nations.

Appearing in just their third AFCON tournament, The Flames surprised everyone by qualifying for the last 16 of the competition, a first for the country, as per IOL. They will take on Morocco on Tuesday in the sixth of eight matches of the round.

AFCON 2021 reaction: Malawians proud of team's effort after draw against Senegal

Football

Orlando Pirates shared on its Twitter account a message reading:

"Congratulations to @gabadinhoFlames for being featured in the #FIFA22 Team of the Week 18. #OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways"

According to FUTHead, the FIFA Ultimate Team of the Week (TOTW) is released by Electronic Arts each Wednesday, and represents players that have played well the previous week in real life. These cards are released as 'In Form' for that week only, and have boosted stats and altered card art.

Malawi's Flames receive praise for surprise but deserved Last 16 progress

The people of Malawi and other well wishers have given praise to the Flames after their progression into the last 16 of the 2021 African Cup of Nations.

Playing in just its third AFCON tournament, having qualified in 1984 and 2010, Malawi was drawn in a tough Group B including favourites Senegal, Guinea and Zimbabwe.

After a close 1-0 loss to Guinea, they rallied to defeat Zimbabwe, before keeping out the Lions of Teranga in a 0-0. These results left them on four points, ensuring that they were part of the four best third-place finishers who qualified for the knockout stages.