‘Flames’ qualification still possible’

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) insists that 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals qualification is attainable despite Malawi having collected two points from three matches.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said playing a goalless draw away to Guinea has given the association hope that the team can still fight for qualification.

“A draw is not bad at all particularly playing away. The team showed a lot character to withstand pressure,” said Nyamilandu yesterday.

“It’s better than a loss. Hopefully, we can build on this positive result at home.”

Soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda also hailed the Flames for coming out of West Africa unscathed.

“It is better than a loss. As you can see, both Malawi and Guinea have two points from the three games. Right now Swaziland and Zimbabwe are three points adrift. There is a possibility that Zimbabwe could go to  eight points in the home tie tomorrow against Swaziland.

“If we can win both home matches against Swaziland and Guinea and beat Zimbabwe, in Harare, who knows how it could all end,” he said.

The Flames face Guinea on Tuesday at Kamuzu Stadium in the return leg while the other Group L members, Zimbabwe and Swaziland, who drew one-all, clash in Harare.

Coach Ernest Mtawali has hinted that he will make some tactical changes in the return leg against Guinea. He is expected to be on the offensive.

“The approach will definitely be different. We will attack more. We will use more offensive players,” Mtawali said in an interview from Guinea after the game.

The Flames are expected to jet in today while Guinea, will arrive tomorrow on a chartered plane.