National Sports

Mambas court Flames

Mozambique Football Federation (FMF) wants the Mambas to play against Malawi’s Flames in preparation for this month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.

The Mambas, who are in Group H, will face Ghana on March 23 in Accra and host the Black Stars in Maputo on March 27.flames

The Flames, on the other hand, face Guinea on March 25 in Conakry before hosting the Syli Nationale at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on March 29.

According to a statement on FMF website, www.fmf.org.mz, signed by  general secretary Johane Filipe, the association has approached several countries, including Malawi for a possible strength testing match.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda confirmed the development, but said they had not yet made a decision on the offer.

FAM is also in talks with Sierra Leone for a possible strength testing match with the Flames en route to Guinea later this month.

“There are issues that we have to consider before we can respond to the offer. First, we wanted to get confirmation from Confederation of African Football (CAF) on the dates of our games against Guinea,” Nyirenda said.

“Remember we are also planning to play Sierra Leone. So, we can’t just jump on the offer. But we will be able to come up with a decision by next week.”

In a related development, Guinea coach Luis Fernandez says Malawi should not be underrated.

“Malawi is in the same situation as us, six points would be welcome but this group is tight. A win in Conakry will be decisive. This will be an important game for us,” said the former France international.

The coach has said he is worried with the return leg to be played at Kamuzu Stadium’s artificial turf.

“The return leg after a few days will be in hot climatic conditions and on synthetic turf which is difficult to play,” he said.

Guinea, just like Malawi, have a single point from two games.

They lie at the bottom of the group while Malawi are third on goal difference. Swaziland and Zimbabwe tie at four points each.

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