Mambas opt for Namibia
It is confirmed, Flames will travel to Chad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on the weekend of February 29 2012 without a strength-testing match.
This follows Mozambique’s decision against coming to play the Flames on February 25 at Civo Stadium. The Mambas have opted to travel to Namibia on February 22.
Namibia press reports confirm that they are set to welcome Mozambique who will fly to Windhoek on a chartered plane.
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) agreed to host the Mambas with some strings attached; that Malawi should meet some domestic costs amounting to K2 million (about $11 976).
In a response to a questionnaire on Thursday, FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda confirmed the cancellation.
“Despite agreeing terms of the friendly match with our colleagues from Mozambique, it would appear the Mozambique technical team has decided against the friendly match, particularly the date of match since it will only be four days before the crucial 2013 Afcon preliminary round qualifiers. It was the Mozambique FA that suggested the date of February 25 2012,” said Nyirenda.
The cancelled match means that the Flames have been inactive since their Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup appearance in Tanzania in December.
The 25-member Flames delegation is expected to leave for Chad on February 26, to be joined in transit by foreign-based players whose identities will be known in due course, according to FAM.
Memories are fresh of how a 2-2 draw in Chad cost Malawi a place at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
