Flames set for Guinea battle

Can we do it? Oh yes we can! That was Flames coach Ernest Mtawali’s bold declaration at a press briefing before the team’s departure for this evening’s potentially explosive 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Guinea’s Syli Nationale.

And while acknowledging that it will not be a stroll in the park against a side that gives away too little when playing at its September 26 fortress in Conakry, Mtawali yesterday insisted that the mission to bag full points, or at least earn a point, is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Worse still, the atmosphere is expected to be intimidating as Guinea will be playing at home for the first time after almost two years in the wilderness due to the Ebola epidemic.

“But neither is this mission impossible. The boys are determined to fight every inch of the way. If we stick to our game plan and play with a free mind and have that self-belief we can get something out of this game,” said Mtawali in an interview from Conakry.

He said his charges are an oasis of calm in the countdown to the showdown which kicks off at 5.40pm local time.

The Flames legend said the plan is to maintain possession and score an early goal so as to unsettle the hosts.

He also believes that the return of midfielders Joseph Kamwendo and Robert Ng’ambi will add depth to the team owing to their vast experience.

The last time the two teams met was in 2009 during the 2010 Afcon qualifiers. After going down 2-1 away in Conakry, the Flames recovered to avenge the defeat in the return leg by the same margin, a result which proved vital for their 2010 Afcon qualification.

Chiukepo Msowoya scored all the three goals for the Flames (one away and two at home) and will be hoping to turn back the hands of time with a vintage show.

“We are ready for the battle. Playing away is always a disadvantage, but we are prepared to fight our lungs out,” said Chiukepo, who is the vice-captain.

Mtawali is likely to apply the 4-4-1-1 formation with rookie ‘keeper Brighton Munthali tipped to guard the posts while captain Limbikani Mzava will partner either John Lanjesi or Harry Nyirenda in central defence.

Stanley Sanudi and Francis Mulimbika will feature as right and left wing backs respectively.

Another rookie Wonder Jelemani is tipped to get the nod ahead of experienced Chimango Kayira as a defending midfielder whereas Micium Mhone and John ‘CJ’ Banda will operate from the flanks. Kamwendo will keep the engines running while N’gambi will play behind lone striker Chiukepo.

Guinea coach Luis Fernandez was quoted by www.guineanews.com as saying this is a match they cannot afford to lose.

“We have to win this game at all cost, but Malawi is no easy team and we will have to sweat for a win,” he was quoted as saying.

He will bank his hopes on captain Kamil Zayatte, Europe-based striking duo of Lass Bangoura and Sylla Idrissa.

Flames are ranked 104-51 places below Guinea who are 63rd on Fifa/ Coca Cola world rankings.

Can we do it? Oh yes we can! That was Flames coach Ernest Mtawali’s bold declaration at a press briefing before the team’s departure for this evening’s potentially explosive 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Guinea’s Syli Nationale.

And while acknowledging that it will not be a stroll in the park against a side that gives away too little when playing at its September 26 fortress in Conakry, Mtawali yesterday insisted that the mission to bag full points, or at least earn a point, is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Worse still, the atmosphere is expected to be intimidating as Guinea will be playing at home for the first time after almost two years in the wilderness due to the Ebola epidemic.

“But neither is this mission impossible. The boys are determined to fight every inch of the way. If we stick to our game plan and play with a free mind and have that self-belief we can get something out of this game,” said Mtawali in an interview from Conakry.

He said his charges are an oasis of calm in the countdown to the showdown which kicks off at 5.40pm local time.

The Flames legend said the plan is to maintain possession and score an early goal so as to unsettle the hosts.

He also believes that the return of midfielders Joseph Kamwendo and Robert Ng’ambi will add depth to the team owing to their vast experience.

The last time the two teams met was in 2009 during the 2010 Afcon qualifiers. After going down 2-1 away in Conakry, the Flames recovered to avenge the defeat in the return leg by the same margin, a result which proved vital for their 2010 Afcon qualification.

Chiukepo Msowoya scored all the three goals for the Flames (one away and two at home) and will be hoping to turn back the hands of time with a vintage show.

“We are ready for the battle. Playing away is always a disadvantage, but we are prepared to fight our lungs out,” said Chiukepo, who is the vice-captain.

Mtawali is likely to apply the 4-4-1-1 formation with rookie ‘keeper Brighton Munthali tipped to guard the posts while captain Limbikani Mzava will partner either John Lanjesi or Harry Nyirenda in central defence.

Stanley Sanudi and Francis Mulimbika will feature as right and left wing backs respectively.

Another rookie Wonder Jelemani is tipped to get the nod ahead of experienced Chimango Kayira as a defending midfielder whereas Micium Mhone and John ‘CJ’ Banda will operate from the flanks. Kamwendo will keep the engines running while N’gambi will play behind lone striker Chiukepo.

Guinea coach Luis Fernandez was quoted by www.guineanews.com as saying this is a match they cannot afford to lose.

“We have to win this game at all cost, but Malawi is no easy team and we will have to sweat for a win,” he was quoted as saying.

He will bank his hopes on captain Kamil Zayatte, Europe-based striking duo of Lass Bangoura and Sylla Idrissa.

Flames are ranked 104-51 places below Guinea who are 63rd on Fifa/ Coca Cola world rankings.