Malawi coach confident ahead of Algeria clash: ‘ A must win game’

Malawi national team head coach Young Chimodzi is convinced his charges can beat leaders Algeria in this Saturday’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Group B qualifier in Blantyre.

The Flames are in 3rd place in the four-team group – three points behind African champions Algeria and hope to stay in touch with the group leaders if they will manage to beat them come Saturday.

Chimodzi  believes the squad he now has at his disposal is better equipped to handle Algeria threat and provide one of their own.

“I believe in my team and given our past record against North Africa teams, we should have little trouble collecting the three points at stake,” Chimodzi told Nyasa Times in an interview on Tuesday from the Flames training camp.

“ It’s a must-win game for us because we have to stay on the coattails of Algeria since they are a top side in Africa,” charged a confident Chimodzi.

The Flames narrowly lost their opening away match against Mali, but remain hopeful that they will defy the odds and qualify for the Africa biggest sporting showpiece.

Chimodzi is beaming with confidence as he has an injury free squad with nine of the foreign legion already having reported for the training camp on Tuesday at Kamuzu Stadium together with the locally based players.

The nine professionals included Robert Ng’ambi, Atusaye Nyondo, Gabadihno Mhango, Limbikani Mzava, Harry Nyirenda, Robin Ngalande, Chimango Kayira and Chiukepo Msowoya  joined the locally based players and participated in full training today ( Tuesday).

Chimodzi called the presence of foreign based players “a massive boost”.

Flames senior defender James Sangala, who coach Young Chimodzi forced out of retirement this year, is also upbeat Malawi can win on Saturday against number one ranked Algeria.

“I have belief in the current crop of players. Without taking anything away from other players who are doing well and are not part of this squad, the guys are doing fine. Not every player can be selected into the team at once,” said Sangala.

“What is important is to use our chances and avoid mistakes. Algeria are good at punishing you when you make a mistake. We have to try and concentrate in the first 15 minutes and last 15 minutes of every half,” said the sweeper.

Malawi wants to build on their last month’s 3-2 win over bottom-placed Ethiopia who also lost 2-1 to Algeria. Malawi are third in the group with three points whereas Algeria lead on six points.

Top two teams from the group will qualify for the finals in Morocco with overall third best side also sneaking through.