Flames hope for miracle as they play Algeria

After a wearisome three-legged trip that took them 24 hours, energy-drained Flames arrived in Algiers on Monday afternoon ahead of tonight’s encounter against Algeria at Stade 5 Juillet 1962, hoping for a miracle result that will revive their 2015 Afcon qualification hopes.

But considering the Flames’ poor away record, in reality it appears quite a tall order.

The Flames flew from Lilongwe to Johannesburg on Sunday from where they connected to Dubai, a flight which lasted 16 hours, before proceeding to their destination.

According to team leader Paul Mzungu, who is also Football Association of Malawi (FAM) executive member, after loosening up at Sheraton Hotel for half an hour, soon after their arrival on Monday, the Flames spent the rest of the day recovering from the wearisome trip.

“We arrived at around 2.30pm here and to have our visas processed, it took another hour or so and considering the condition in which the players were, we could not go for training as they needed to rest,” said Mzungu in a telephone interview from Algiers.

He said they were scheduled to have their first training session yesterday morning and were expected to get the feel of the match venue later in the evening ahead of tonight’s showdown which kicks off at 9.30pm local time.

Asked about the mood of the players after Saturday’s 0-2 loss, Mzungu said: “They are trying to recover and we have had a word with them to pick themselves up and focus on tomorrow’s [today] game.

“We have been trying to drum into them that they can revive their chances if they can get something out of tomorrow’s game, say a draw or even a win.”

He also said the weather is mild in Algiers as it is neither hot nor cold.

“I think the weather could not have been more kind and we cannot complain,” said the team leader.

Inspirational midfielder Robert Ng’ambi said they have not given up hope on their qualification dreams.

“Of course, it is a tall order, but if we can get a draw or a shock win then we can breathe a new life into this campaign. It is difficult, but not impossible and that gives us some confidence going into the match,” said the South Africa-based midfielder.

Flames coach Young Chimodzi said if they could get a draw in tonight’s encounter, it could be a plus considering that Mali lost in Algeria.

“Our main contender now is Mali and in everything we do, we have to plan around them,” he said.

The Flames will bank their flickering hopes on the experience of Ng’ambi, captain Joseph Kamwendo, Harry Nyirenda and Atusaye Nyondo. Others who have the potential to turn things around are Robin Ngalande, Frank Banda, Limbikani Mzava, Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango and Gastin Simkonda.

They will be welcoming back defender John Lanjesi who missed the Blantyre encounter having picked up two yellow cards and his absence was greatly felt.