Pasuwa confident Flames are ready for Egypt test in Cairo

Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa says his squad is in good shape and ready for the challenge as the Flames prepare to face Egypt in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier in Cairo on Friday night.

Speaking to reporters during a pre-match interview in Egypt, Pasuwa said all 24 players in the travelling squad were eager to deliver a positive result.

“The team is looking good and in good shape. All the 24 players are eager to deliver for the nation. We just need to be mentally prepared for anything that may come our way,” he said.

Pasuwa urged his players to adapt quickly to the atmosphere in Cairo, reminding them that away matches bring their own difficulties.

He expects a packed stadium and has called on the squad to stay focused under pressure from the home crowd. “We will go and fight and try to get a win,” he said.

He also spoke about two players who have not featured in previous matches, striker Lanjesi Nkhoma and Chikumbutso Salima.

Pasuwa said both had responded well in preparation and could offer options in the absence of some regular players, including Mayere Malango, who is unavailable for the fixture.

The Flames face Egypt, known as the Pharaohs, at Cairo International Stadium on Friday night.

The reverse fixture is at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Tuesday next week, and the two matches form part of Malawi’s campaign for the 2027 Afcon.