Footballers who represented Malawi in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) games in Cameroon have received a financial prize from a group of Malawians living in the United States.
This came after the team made it to the tournament’s knockout stage for the first time.
A group of football-loving Malawians donated 2.8 million Malawian kwacha ($154,000; £114,000) to the country’s football association.
“Each player received K95,000, while the team’s equipment manager and security officer each received K70,000,” the association said in a statement.
The money was raised by Malawians in the diaspora through a WhatsApp group.
Tonny Chirwa, the group’s chairman, said the money was handed to the players as a sign of thanks and inspiration for a job well done.
President Lazarus Chakwera also offered the footballers a monetary incentive if they achieved a “desired outcome” in their match against Senegal and advanced to the round of 16.
Malawi drew 0-0 with Senegal in their opening match and advanced to the round of 16 before losing to Morocco.
BBC (edited)
