Former heads of state, Presidents Peter Mutharika and Joyce Banda have expressed their joy after Malawi qualified to the round of 16 of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) happening in Cameroon.

This is the first time Malawi has reached this stage since it started participating in the cup and flames will meet Morocco on Tuesday next week, 9 o’clock local time.

According to both Mutharika and Banda, they are both optimistic that Flames will beat Morocco in the last 16 of the African Cup of Nations and proceed to the latter stages of the competition.

Mutharika said the players have made the country proud and he is planning to give them a reward on their return.

On her part, former president Banda said she is excited with the Flames performance and has pleaded with all Malawians, stakeholders and the private sector to continue supporting the team.

With Flame’s current impressive performance, Malawians are hoping to see the team advancing to quarter finals, beating Morocco but that will not be easy work.