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Malawi national football team (Flames) injury woes took a turn for the worse in the countdown to Wednesday’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations first round preliminary qualifier against Chad when in-form striker Peter Wadabwa was ruled out.
Already, the Flames are without captain Peter Mponda, Harry Nyirenda and Robert Ng’ambi due to injuries while other regulars Elvis Kafoteka, Esau Kanyenda, Russell Mwafulirwa, Victor Nyirenda, Swadick Sanudi, Jacob Ngwira and Jimmy Zakazaka have been left out for various reasons.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda confirmed Wadabwa’s injury, saying he will not be part of the squad for the Chad game.
“He picked an injury while on duty for his club mid this week and he has been ruled out of the game,” Nyirenda said.
He also said Wadabwa has since been replaced by last season’s TNM top scorer Ishmail Thindwa.
Meanwhile, Flames coach Kinnah Phiri has said he has faith in the squad that he is taking to Chad.
Kinnah has included 10 local-based players in the squad that is expected to depart for N’djamena this afternoon.
“I know that people have doubts on the strength of the squad, but I am optimistic that those that I have selected will do the job.
“We have been talking of rebuilding for sometime and I believe this is the beginning. Even if we fail to get a result in Chad, I believe we are making strides in building for the future,” Kinnah said.
From the local scene, the coach has taken on board goalkeeper Charles Swini, defenders Foster Namwela, Pilirani Makupe and Steve Chagoma, midfielders Joseph Kamwendo, John Banda and Frank Banda, and striker Thindwa.
They will join the foreign-based contingent of Simplex Nthala, James Sangala, Limbikani Mzava, Tawonga Chimodzi, Dave Banda, Moses Chavula, Atusaye Nyondo, Chiukepo Msowoya and Robin Ngalande.
