Gaba, Sanudi hit half century caps

South Africa-based striker Gabadinho Mhango and Be Forward Wanderers right-back Stanley Sanudi have reached 50 caps for the national football team, the Flames.

The two reached the half century after the Flames’ 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Sudan on Wednesday.

Both players played full time in a match Malawi won 1-0 courtesy of Gerald Phiri Jnr goal from a corner kick.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) competitions and communication director Gomezgani Zakazaka confirmed the development in an interview.

“Our records show that the two players were playing their 50th match for the senior national football team,” he said.

Sanudi, who will be playing his 51st match in tomorrow’s Afcon qualifier against Uganda said he was excited for the feat.

He said: “I am happy that I have reached 50 caps. My target is to play more than a century caps in my career.”

Gabadinho on the other hand is suspended after collecting two yellow cards.

An ongoing research by FAM and England-based Malawian researcher Mario Antoine, shows that Flames legend Young Chimodzi is most capped player with a record 161 games in a career that span for 16 years.

Chimodzi, who made his debut in 1979 under coach Ted Powell and retired in 1995, is among the 20 most capped players in the world, currently held by Egyptian player Ahmad Hassan with 184 caps.

Out of the 487 who have donned the black, red and green colours only nine have made over 100 appearances  for the Flames.

Most of them played in the golden generation   between 1975 and the 1990s and they include Jack Chamangwana (133), Harry Waya (126), Lawrence Waya (126), Kinna Phiri (117), Gilbert Chirwa (113) and Jonathan Billie (109).

The 1990s to 2000s has Joseph Kamwendo, who leads with 104 caps and Peter Mponda who made 102 appearances.

On 10th position is the late Felix Nyirongo (98) while Moses Chavula who is still playing is at 11th with 89 caps.