Kanyenda in Friday, Ghana recall veterans

Flames veteran striker Esau Kanyenda is on Friday expected to lead the trickling in of the foreign legion for camp training in Blantyre.

But, as reported elsewhere, Ghana, too, have responded by summoning three experienced defenders.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda confirmed on Wednesday the coming in of Kanyenda from South Africa where he is believed to have signed for Bay United.

But Nyirenda ruled out prospects of a friendly match before the Flames challenge Black Stars on October 13 in the decisive 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at Civo Stadium.

Malawi have a two-goal deficit standing between them and a place at next year’s finals in South Africa. But Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah is not taking chances. He has summoned Europe-based veteran defenders John Pantsil, Jonathan Mensah and David Addy.

SuperSport.com reported on Wednesday that the three return alongside Wakaso Mubarak, Daniel Nii Adjei, Raibu Mohamad and goalkeeper Philemon McCarthy for the squad bound for Kenya camp en-route to Lilongwe, according to Ghana Football Association publicist Ibrahim Sanie.

“The squad leaves Accra on Sunday and the rest of the foreign-based players trickle in the camp later as soon as they are released by their respective clubs. The main reason we opted for Kenya before the clash is because of the proximity; it is near to Malawi,” Sanie is quoted as saying.

In reacting to Ghana’s preparation for the second leg, Nyirenda insisted that coach Kinnah Phiri has enough insight of the opposition and “we believe the Flames are capable of beating Ghana.”