Ivory Coast vs. Malawi: Malawi playing it safe

The Football Association of Malawi has raised gate charges for this Saturday’s Flames’ game against Ivory Coast in a move the association described as a response to the high demand for the Group E game and security control of people at the Kamuzu Stadium. Or is it: The lower the supply—the scarcer it is—the higher the price?

There is a high demand for the game not only because it is an important game but also because most Malawians will flock to the stadium to see their respective EPL star players in 3D. Most Malawians are fans of Man United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, etc. Arsenal fans will be there to see Eboue the Utility Player. Chelsea fans will be there to see Drogba. As a matter of fact, Drogba is the main crowd puller. You don’t have to be a Chelsea fan in order to appreciate his skills (including his diving skills ). Earlier this year in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, tens of thousands of fans turned out to see Chelsea striker Didier Drogba – a native of Ivory Coast – as the home team squared off against Malawi at a World Cup qualifying match (1st leg). Ivory Coast whooped Malawi 5-0.

Ivory Coast players are scheduled to arrive in Malawi on Thursday, October 8. The game is on Saturday October 10 and not Sunday October 11 as reported by Reuters.