26 locals in Flames squad

Flames veteran strikers Esau Kanyenda and Chiukepo Msowoya have earned their places in a Flames 34-member call-up dominated by 26 home-based players.

Flames coach Kinnah Phiri released the squad on Thursday ahead of the October 13 clash against Ghana at Civo Stadium.

Kanyenda, who is believed to have signed for South Africa second tier side Bay United, returns to the Flames for the first time this year.

Needing a three-goal margin win to qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals, Kinnah believes the experienced duo have a role to play against Ghana.

“The young strikers Robin Ngalande, Gabadinho Mhango and Atusaye Nyondo need guidance,” Kinnah told Radio 2 FM ahead of camp training scheduled for Monday.

Suspensions have seen the number of foreign-based players shrink from 11 to eight with South Africa-based attacker Jimmy Zakazaka dropped whereas Mozambique-based Zicco Mkanda is back alongside Epac FC’s Ishmael Thindwa.

The squad excludes suspended defenders Limbikani Mzava and James Sangala whereas Foster Namwela returns from suspension. Most local clubs are evenly represented in the squad.

Other foreign-based players called up are Simplex Nthala (Vilankulo FC, Mozambique) and South Africa-based Harry Nyirenda (Black Leopards), Peter Wadabwa (Thanda Royal Zulu) and Robert Ng’ambi (Platinum Stars). Malawi lost 2-0 in Ghana a fortnight ago.

Full squad: Goalkeepers: Owen Chaima (Big Bullets), Richard Chipuwa (Mighty Wanderers), Charles Swini (Escom United) and Simplex Nthala; Defenders: Francis Mulimbika, Bongani Kaipa and Foster Namwela (Mighty Wanderers), Steve Chagoma (Blue Eagles), Moses Chavula (free agent), Pilira Makupe and John Lanjesi (Civo United), George Nyirenda (Big Bullets) and Harry Nyirenda; Midfielders: Robert Ng’ambi, Chimango Kayira and Douglas Chirambo (Big Bullets), Joseph Kamwendo (Mighty Wanderers), Davie Banda (Red Lions), Ndaziona Chatsalira, Frank Banda and Peter Pindani (Silver Strikers), Patrick Gunde (Civo United), Patrick Masanjala and McNius Mhone (Blue Eagles): Strikers: Green Harawa, Rodrick Gonani. (Silver Strikers), Ishmael Thindwa (Epac FC), Chiukepo Msowoya (Escom United), Gabadinho Mhango (Big Bullets), Esau Kanyenda (Bay United); Robin Ngalande, Zicco Mkanda, Peter Wadabwa, Atusaye Nyondo.