Flames beat Nomads in training match: FA Malawi says no international friendly game ahead of Guinea tie

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has confirmed that the Malawi national soccer team will face Guinea in the 2017 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying match without playing any international friendly match.

The Flames will face Guinea away on 25th March, 2016 before meeting again in a return match at home four days later.

According to Fam General Secretary Suzgo Nyirenda, their plans have been affected by the change of dates for the qualifying games by the Confederation of African Football (Caf).

Nyirenda said they earmarked Sierra  eon and Mali but with the shifting of dates, they failed to settle and accommodate themselves for a friendly since the suggested dates were so close to the dates of qualifying games.

He also revealed that during his trip to Zuric, Switzerland recently, tried to approach one of Africa’s power house Ghana but his efforts failed again.

Commenting on news that neighbouring Mozambique wanted to play Flames, he said the Mamba’s opted that they feature locally based players a development which he said was not in line with Flames coach Ernest Mtawali plans who will use a majority of professional players against Guinea.

The Fam General Secretary claimed they did everything to secure a friendly match but failed to do so like other countries like Kenya, Egypt, Zambia and many others who have failed due to the change of dates for the Afcon qualifying games.

Meanwhile, Nyirenda said preparations are going on well and the players are improving each passing day.

The Flames defeated Mighty Be Foward Wanderers football club  3-1 on Wednesday in a match played at Chiwembe ground.

The national team scored through Jabulani Linje (13 minutes), Bongani Kaipa (OG 18 minutes) and Chiukepo Msowoya (37 minutes.”

Wanderers consolation goal came from Luka Milanzi through a penalty.

The Nomads also featured Japanese player on trial with the club, Genki Nakamura.

Wanderers coach Jack Chamangwana said the Japenese “impressed” in his performance.