The Flames arrived in Cameroon’s capital Yaounde yesterday afternoon ahead of Friday’s 2022 World Cup qualifier against the Indomitable Lions.
Football Association of Malawi executive member Christopher Madalitso Kuyera, who is the team leader, said seven South Africa-based players led by captain Limbikani Mzava joined the team in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia yesterday morning enroute to Yaounde.
The others are Gerald Phiri Jnr, Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Khuda Muyaba, Dennis Chembezi and Mike Mkwate.Mhango, Richard Mbulu,
Mozambique-based midfielder John ‘CJ’ Banda also joined the squad in Addis Ababa while Tanzania-based winger Peter Banda is expected to arrive today, virtually completing the Flames arsenal for the showdown.
He said Europe-based duo—Charles Petro and Fransisco Madinga—have also joined the squad having arrived earlier in the day.
Said Kuyera: “We have arrived safely and apart from Peter, who is likely to join us tomorrow [today], we almost have a full house.”
On his part, Phiri said in an interview that they are ready for the battle.
“We played them [Cameroon] here about two years ago in a 2019 Afcon [Africa Cup of Nations] qualifier. So, we know them. They are a good side, but they aren’t miles ahead of us. We’ll take them on,” said the Baroka FC midfielder.
Commenting on the weather, Phiri said: “It’s hot…very hot, but cloudy. It could rain later on.”
The Flames were expected to loosen up after brief rest.
Meanwhile, Cameroon started camp training on Monday at Mundi Complex in Nsimalen,Yaounde.
They will be without their France-based midfielder Jean-Charles Castelletto who plays for Ligue 1 side Nantes and Cyprus-based Arnaud Djoum due to injuries.
According to AllAfrica.com, as of Monday only 12 out of the 29 players called up by coach Toni Conceição, had reported for camp training.
The match will be played at Olembe Stadium from 8pm local time.
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