South Sudan start preps

Malawi’s next opponents in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier South Sudan’s Bright Stars are camping in Morocco ahead of the March 22 qualifier.

The development has triggered fears that the Flames opponents, who do not play their games at their backyard, might choose the North African country to host the match.

The Bright Stars play their home matches in other countries following the collapse of part of a Fifa-funded Juba National Stadium, South Sudan’s only international-standard stadium.

They played their other home qualifier against Uganda at Nyayo Stadium in Kenya, beating the Cranes 1-0.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary Alfred Gunda said South Sudan Football Association are at liberty to pick a country of their choice, but observed that Morocco would be a big disadvantage for the Flames.

He, however, said they will wait for Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) confirmation on the venue.

He said: “They can pick Morocco if they want. No regulation can stop them. But for now, let’s wait for CAF.”

South Sudan’s United Kingdom-based coach Ashu Cyprian returned to the country’s capital Juba, two weeks ago and got back to business in preparation for the Flames game.

However, following that country’s suspension of sports activities, South Sudan Football Association has ferried the team to Morocco.

This comes at a time Malawi’s Flames are not sure when the team will regroup for the crucial qualifier.

Flames coach Meck Mwase already called for early preparations following the suspension ofs the TNM Super League.

The coach has repeated the need for the Flames to at least regroup for closed training at Mpira Village in Chiwembe Township in Blantyre.

Malawi is on third position with four points, three below second-placed Uganda and four below leaders Burkina Faso while Group B anchors South Sudan have three points.

Only the top two teams will qualify for the continental showpiece.