adminBLANTYRE. — MALAWI coach Ernest Mtawali has released his final travelling squad for Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe.
Among the notable faces missing on the list is Silver Strikers goalkeeper Brighton Munthali who has been Mtawali’s first choice goalkeeper since the slump in form of Mozambique-based Simplex Nthala.
Mtawali has also dropped Blue Eagles goal-stopper John Soko who has been a bench-warmer for the flames in the past three games.
Instead, the former Flames international has opted for veteran Charles Swini and Bullets in-form goal-keeper Ernest Kakhobwe who was called into camp mid-way the preparations.
Mtawali has also selected defender Pilirani Zonda who was only drafted into the provisional squad following the injury to South African based Limbikani Mzamva.
Apart from Kakhobwe, the Flames Coach has also given Be Forward Wanderers’ defending midfielder Rafiq Namwera his first call up since rising to fame.
Veteran striker, Peter “The Big Fighter” Wadabwa has also forced his way back to the Flames travelling squad.
Wadabwa, who along with Namwera have been Wanderer’s best players since the league kicked off, has been out of the Flames sight since returning from South Africa where he played professional football.
Speaking to Nyasa Times after making his final cut, Mtawali said it was a challenge to come up with the final travelling squad claiming each player deserved a ticket to Zimbabwe.
“It was not easy to drop players who have been at their best during the preparations. I don’t think they are completely out of my sight. Mind you we have COSAFA ahead and we can make changes to the squad anytime so they are still part of our plans,” said Mtawali.
Mtawali also bemoaned the loss of midfielder Isaac Kaliati who pulled out of camp on Tuesday morning due to an injury.
He said Kaliati is among the players he has built his philosophy on and will surely be missed during Zimbabwe’s match. The Flames on Wednesday drew 0-0 against a Super League side, Mafco FC in a strength testing match which took place at MDC Stadium in Blantyre.
The Football Association of Malawi are facilitating for supporters to follow the national football team to Zimbabwe to cheer the Flames.
Fam’s commercial and marketing director Limbani Cliff Matola said supporters are expected to contribute MK30 000 for the return trip which includes free entry tickets to the match.
Matola said this is a response to numerous requests from the supporters.
“It became apparently clear that with the overwhelming interest that we are receiving, the patriotic supporters would still go ahead to travel to Zimbabwe even without us coming in,” Matola said.
“So our coming in is barely to make the arrangement formal and organised. “The MK30 000 is for transportation to and fro Zimbabwe, the entry ticket.”
He said the supporters will have to fend for themselves in terms of food and accomodation.
The final travelling squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Charles Swini and Ernest Kakhobwe,
Defenders: Harry Nyirenda, Francis Mlimbika, John Lanjesi, Miracle Gabeya, Stanley Sanudi, Yamikani Fodya and Pilirani Zonda,
Midfielders: Joseph Kamwendo, John Banda, Micium Mhone, Wonder Jeremani, Rafiq Namwera, Gerald Phiri Junior, Dalitso Sailesi,
Forwards: Chiukepo Msowoya, Peter Wadabwa, Muhhamad Sulumba , Frank Gabadhinho Mhango. — Nyasa Times
Online Reporter