Flames face Kenya in 2014 WC qualifier

So here the Flames go on yet another journey in the jungles of international football in the latest search for the pride that comes with success in the world’s most beautiful game.

The Flames get their 2014 World Cup qualification dream campaign underway this afternoon in the couldron of the 60 000 seater Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani in Kenya’s capital Nairobi against the Harambee Stars.

The soccer fraternity will come to a standstill at 3pm and focus will rightly shift to Nairobi as the Flames engage Harambee Stars in their bid to qualify for the global showcase—a target that realistically is a far-fetched dream, but certanily not beyond the realms of possibility.

Thousands are expected to follow the events as they unfold in Nairobi live on national television and radio.

Even with the news filtering in that Flames star forward Atusaye Nyondo is a doubtful starter having twisted his ankle during training on Thursday morning, the Flames are still optimistic about a good start.

Man to watch

The SuperSport United forward—who is tipped to partner Spain-based wonderkid Robin Ngalande— was expected to undergo a late fitness test as we went to press on Friday. Nyondo scored both goals for the Flames when they lost 3-2 to Chad earlier this year in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

While the atmosphere is expected to be so fiery and intimidating, Flames coach Kinnah Phiri believes his charges are ready to stand the Kasarani heat.

“The spirits are high, the boys are in the right frame of mind and definitely we’ll go for a win, the worst should be a draw.

“We are determined to get a positive result here. The entire nation should just remember us in prayers,” said Kinnah from Nairobi on Friday.

Commenting on Nyondo’s condition, Kinnah said: “Well, he seems to be getting back on his feet, but we should be in a position to know whether he will play later in the afternoon.

“All the same I have confidence in the squad that I have brought here. They appear to be psychologically ready for the showdown.”

Good run

Kinnah’s confidence also stems from the Flames recent good run against the hosts whom they have beaten twice.

The Flames have beaten Kenya in their last two matches at Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup— winning 3-2 in 2010 and 2-0 last year. However, despite this advantage, Kinnah is cautious and feels the past results will not matter when the two sides clash this afternoon.

He added: “We are happy that we are starting away. It gives us a slight advantage though we will not underrate Kenya because they are at home.”

South Africa-based defender Limbikani ‘Pupa’ Mzava and revitalised midfielder Joseph ‘Shakira’ Kamwendo—who scored one of the goals against Kenya last year—said they are determined to start on a positive note.

Said Mzava: “It’s always tough playing away, but we’ll not be intimidated, we are ready and focussed. Even though we are missing the services of some key players such as the captain [Peter Mponda], Robert Ng’ambi, Chiukepo [Msowoya], Esau [Kanyenda] and Peter [Wadabwa], the spirits are high.”

Kind weather

Meanwhile Joseph Kamwendo says the weather has been kind on the Flames in Kenya.

“It’s not not very hot here. So, the weather suits as fine. We’ll fight every inch of the way, but it’s going to be tough because Kenya have also assembled a good side and they will be playing at home,” Kamwendo said.

The duo said the recent two international friendly matches against Tanzania and Zamzibar have also helped them prepare for the match.

While Kinnah could not be drawn to disclose his starting line-up, Simplex Nthala is expected to guard the posts while Angola-based James Sangala will marshall the defence that is also likely to comprise stand-in captain Moses Chavula, Mzava and Forster Namwela.

Frank Banda and Ndaziona Chatsalira will ocherstrate play from the wings with Kamwendo and workhorse Dave Banda keeping the engines running at the heart of the pitch, whereas Ngalande and either Nyondo or gangly forward Russell Mwafulirwa will start upfront.

Such is Kinnah’s luxury that he also has two other strikers— Jimmy Zakazaka and Zico Mkanda

On the other hand, Kenya’s coach Francis Kimanzi believes his charges can douse the Flames.

Kimanzi, who watched the Flames play Tanzania in a build-up match that ended in a goaless draw last weekend in Dar es Salaam, is confident that his side can achieve a positive result should they play according to the game plan.

However, he admitted to Cafonline that it will not be a stroll in the park for his side.

“Malawi has good players and it is also a good side, but like any other team, they also have weaknesses and if we play according to our plan, beating them on Saturday won’t be impossible,” said Kimanzi.

Meanwhile, as we went to press Malawians-based in Kenya led by their chairperson Robert Hanjahanja, were preparing on how to give the Flames morale support.