Mwase bloats flames squad
Flames coach Meck Mwase has picked an unprecedented 28-man squad for the away 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against South Sudan on March 24 in Khartoum, Sudan.
In total, the Malawi delagation, which leaves today for the qualifier via Ethiopia where the team will play an international friendly, has 39 members, including the technical panel.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has justified the decision, saying it is not taking chances in case some players test positive for Covid-19 while in Sudan.
In an interview, FAM competitions and communication director Gomezgani Zakazaka said: “We have taken 28 players because we are playing it safe due to the Covid-19 issues.
“We don’t know what might happen in Ethiopia where Malawi will play a friendly against that country before proceeding to Sudan.
“The players will undergo another test in Ethiopia for us to cross into Sudan. And, again in Sudan, the players will undergo another test.
“So, we have two tests ahead of us. As you are aware, we had positive cases in our camp and the same thing might happen in those two tests. We just want to play it safe in case others test positive.”
This is the first time that Malawi has travelled with 28 players for an away assignment. The team usually travels with 18 players minimum and 25 maximum.
Zakazaka said 18 players, including Mozambique-based Schumacher Kuwali and John CJ Banda and Ethiopia-based Robin Ngalande are earmarked for the international friendly.
He said: “Europe-based trio comprising Moldovia’s Sheriff Tiraspol Charles Petro and Peter Banda as well as Georgia’s FC Dila Gori midfielder Francisco Madinga and South Africa-based Orlando Pirates’ Frank Gabadinho Mhango, AmaZulu’s Limbikani Mzava, Polokwane’s Mike Mkwate and Khuda Muyaba, Baroka FC’s Richard Mbulu and Dennis Chembezi team will fly straight to Khartoum.”
Mwase has also welcomed the quartet of goalkeeper Brighton Munthali, midfielders Micium Mhone and Chimwemwe Idana and right-back Stanley Sanudi, who left camp after testing positive for Covid-19.
“All the four players have now tested negative,” said Zakazaka.
Mwase in an interview said he is confident of victory in Sudan.
He said: “We did our best to make sure the boys are fit. We are meeting South Sudan which is a must-win game for us to qualify for the finals.”
Malawi has lost two of its away matches against Uganda and Burkina Faso in the 2022 Afcon qualifiers, scoring just one goal.
Malawi is third in in Group B with four points from a win against South Sudan and a draw against Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso leads the group with eight points; Uganda is second with seven while South Sudan is at the bottom with three points.
Group winners and runners-up will qualify for the finals to be held in Cameroon next year.
