Flames out to scorch Mambas
Flames coach Young Chimodzi has said today’s international friendly match against Mozambique’s Mambas at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe has a lot of significance.
The Flames mentor said any result short of a win would be disappointing considering that the country is celebrating the 50th Independence Anniversary.
“Considering the occasion, it is prerequisite that we win Sunday’s international friendly match. It will be a big let down to the nation if we fail to win this match,” said Chimodzi.
A win will also be a timely welcome gift for President Peter Mutharika and his vice Saulos Chilima. Both Mutharika and Chilima are expected to grace the occasion, a month after they were elected into the presidency.
Crucially, Chimodzi and his deputy Jack Chamangwana are also using today’s match to tune-up for July 20’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final preliminary round, first leg against Benin away in Cotonou on July 20.
“In most of the games that we have played recently, our defence has been porous and coordination has been lacking, especially in midfield.
“So, we are still trying different combinations to suit the kind of approach that we would want to apply in Benin,” said Chimodzi.
He said it was for that reason that they have recalled Mozambique-based burly forward Chiukepo Msowoya and other locally-based players.
“We have established that Chiukepo is enjoying good form at his Mozambican club and we felt it wise to assess him,” said Chimodzi.
Others that have been recalled include goalkeeper McDonald Harawa, defenders Sankhani Mkandawire, Zasher Mnong’oneza, Lucky Malata and Pilirani Makupe.
The coaches will also have a chance to try some new faces such as Paul Ndlovu, Lottie Mwakisulu, Richard Mbulu, Kelvin Hanganda and Tizgobere Kumwenda.
Goalkeeper Richard Chipuwa, defender Francis Mulimbika and striker Callisto Kalinda who have been called up regularly of late, are also tipped to get a run so too regulars such as Charles Swini, John Lanjesi, Frank and John Banda, Phillip Masiye, Young Chimodzi Jnr and Gastin Simkonda.
“All the players have shown a lot of commitment and hunger and this match provides us a chance to evaluate them,” he said.
Mambas coach Joao Chissano said he has brought a strong squad of home-based players that has been boosted by one player who plays in the Germany second tier Bundesliga.
“We are equally taking this match seriously because we are preparing for the [2015] Afcon final preliminary round, first leg against Tanzania and I have, therefore, assembled the best available squad of home-based players,” said Chissano.
