FAM sets 2015 Afcon qualification target

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has set qualification for 2015 Africa Cup of Nations as one of the targets for the Flames coaching panel, or face the chop.

FAM first vice-president Moses Mkandawire, who is head of the association’s technical subcommittee, said the target was agreed at a meeting held at the weekend.

He said the other target is either to qualify for the next round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers or, at least, finish second in their group that also has Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Namibia’s Barave Warriors and Kenya’s Harambee Stars.

“Malawians can forgive us when we lose to teams such as Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, but if we fail to beat teams such as Namibia and Kenya [in World Cup qualifiers], Malawians won’t forgive us,” said Mkandawire.

But Mkandawire said the meeting also appreciated the performance of the Kinnah Phiri-led coaching panel considering the meagre resources at their disposal.

“We are, therefore, appealing to government, the association and the soccer fraternity in general for their understanding and patience as the coaching panel continues with the task of rebuilding the national team,” he said.

Mkandawire also said regional tournaments such as the forthcoming Cecafa and Cosafa as well as the Chan [Championship of African Nations], have not been included as targets because they are development competitions.