We will sail through—Flames

 

The Flames have declared that they will win against Chad on Saturday at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre and qualify for the second round of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Stand-in captain Moses ‘Luba’ Chavula, his deputy Joseph ‘Shakira’ Kamwendo and coach Kinnah Phiri made the declaration after Thursday’s morning training session.

Chavula said his charges are determined to make up for the failure to beat Nigeria last weekend.

“As captain, I can give my word to the nation that we will not let them down on Saturday. My appeal to soccer-loving Malawians is that they should just come in their large numbers to cheer us on,” said Chavula.

On his part, Kamwendo said: “We have had good preparations with the focus centred on how we can make good use of the chances that we create.” He described the mood in camp as very high.

Kinnah also said Chad should expect a tough game on Saturday, adding that it will be a “grudge match” considering what the Flames went through in their previous visits to N’djamena.

“This will be a grudge game and Chad should expect a tough game,” declared Kinnah on Thursday.

While a 1-0 win could see the Flames progress to the second round, Kinnah said they are looking at scoring more goals.

“We want to take every chance that will come our way,” he said.

The Flames were offered sub-standard hotel and training pitch when they went to Chad for the decisive 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in October.

The match ended in a 2-2 draw after Chad snatched a late equaliser to deny the Flames back-to-back qualification to the continental event.

Early this year, the Flames also suffered another ordeal when they were pelted with missiles by the host fans that led to the injury of striker Atusaye Nyondo in the first leg of the 2013 Afcon qualifier. Nyondo scored both goals for the Flames.