Kanyenda, Kamwendo in for Mali game

Malawi battle scarred Esau Kanyenda, who has be a trusted and loyal servant to the national, has arrived in Malawi to join  foreign legions for the epic Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against Mali on Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium.

Kanyenda, who arrived on Monday, joined six professionals Mozambique based Chimango Kayira, Zicco Mkanda, South Africa quartet of Limbikani Mzava, Gabadinho Mhango, Robin Ngalande and Harry Nyirenda.

They foreign legion took part of the first training session at Chiwembe Technical and Development Centre in Blantyre.

Fam General Secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said Captain Joseph Kamwendo, who plays for TP Mazembe  in DRC  and has also recovered from a leg injury  also arrived after Kanyenda on Monday to join the team.

Nyirenda said the association would expect a full house on Tuesday after the arrival of Robert Ng’ambi  for the showdown.

He said the arrival of the players would induce the team spirit as the Flames negotiate tough assignments to qualify for the finals.

“We are impressed with the arrival of our foreign based players such as Esau Kanyenda because this will boost the morale of players in camp,” Nyirenda said.

“We know they will make the difference to the team.”

Flames are bottom of Group B with 3 points just as Ethiopia but their inferior goal aggregate has worked to their disadvantage.

Mali, who are on second with six points must beat Malawi to occupy the other available qualification spot from the group.

Malawi have a mathematical chance of qualifying by hoping to beat Mali and Ethiopia away on November 19 while hoping for group leaders Algeria who have already qualified to beat Mali and Algeria.

The Flanes should also beat Ethiopia to stand a chance of making it to the third appearance of Africa’s greatest football festival.

Mlawi coach Young Chimodzi has turned to veterans Fischer Kondowe and  Esau Kanyenda, hoping they can rescue the Flames.

Speaking when unveiling the 21-member squad in Blantyre on Friday, the Flames’ assistant coach, Jack Chamangwana, said the  experience would be vital if they are to beat Mali and Ethiopia away three days later.

“In this game, we need experience. These players have been doing well at their respective clubs and that is why we have recalled them. We will have just a week of training, hence experience will be vital,” Chamangwana said.

Kanyenda and Kondowe play for Polokwane City in South Africa’s Premier League and Malawi league title-chasing Big Bullets respectively.

Also back in the fold is Mozambique-based striker Zicco Mkanda from newly crowned league champions Liga Muculmana.

Missing from the squad is striker Atusaye Nyondo of University of Pretoria and Silver defender Lucky Malata.