Flames date Mambas of Mozambique
Malawi National Football Team –the Flames — will play Mozambique on August 12 in a strength testing match ahead of the crucial home joint World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations encounter against Guinea next month.
The development comes barely a few days after the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) cancelled training camp after no team came forth for a friendly match.
FAM President Walter Nyamilandu said the camp was postponed because no team was willing to travel and play Malawi at the Kamuzu Stadium. All the teams wanted Flames to play away.
But the country’s soccer governing body announced on Wednesday the Mambas of Mozambique have finally accepted to travel and play Flames at Kamuzu Stadium on August 12, which is FIFA Calendar day for friendly matches.
FAM said in a statement issued Wednesday evening and signed by its Administration Manager, Suzgo Nyirenda, the 21 players will now go into camp (Shire Highlands Hotel) on 09 August by 18:00hours.
The bulk of the 21 players called into camp are the regular professional players with a few locally based.
Denmark based striker Russell Mwafulirwa, who has missed a number of Flames engagements and was also dropped from the initial list released last week is now back in the team.
But still missing again are Russian based hitman Essau Kanyenda and winger Fisher Kondowe who plays in South Africa.
Kanyenda told Nyasa Times that his stint with the national team is over but still has passion for his country.Also missing is defender Clement Kafwafwa who plies his trade in Denmark.
Coach Kinnah Phiri told the media last week he did not include the Russian based Kanyenda because he announced his retirement from the national team.
“I’m no longer playing for the national team. I still have passion for my country and wish the Flames all the best,” said Kanyenda.
The players are: Goalkeepers Swadick Sanudi, Charles Swine and Simplex Nthara. Defenders: Peter Mponda, Allan Kamanga, Wisdom Ndhlovu, James Sangala, Moses Chavula, Elvis Kafoteka and Sankhani Nyirenda.
Midfielders are Robert Ng’ambi, Joseph Kamwendo, Jacob Ngwira, Hellings Mwakasungura, Davie Banda, Lawrence Mwehiwa and Peter Pindeni. While the strikers include Mwafulirwa, Maupo Msowoya, Atusaye Nyondo, Luka Milanzi and Peter Wadabwa.
Flames need to win against Guinea on September 5 by hook or crook if they are to revitalize their hopes of being in Angola next year for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Old Article more than 4 months. Comment is closed.
