Malawi announces 28-Man squad for 2022 Afcon Qualifiers

Malawi has announced an extended 28-man squad ahead of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.

Malawi will play two Afcon qualifying matches against South Sudan and Uganda later in the month.

Malawi coach Meck Mwase named a side that is comprised of 16 locally-based footballers while the remaining 12 are foreign players.

The locally-based players travelled to Bahir Dar, Ethiopia ahead of their international friendly with the East African country’s national team. The match is expected to be played on Wednesday.

The rest of the foreign-based players are expected to fly directly to Sudan except John Banda, Schumacher Kuwali and Robin Ngalande who are already in the camp in preparations for the Ethiopia game.

The Flames will be away to South Sudan on March 24, before hosting Uganda’s Cranes on March 29 at Kamuzu Stadium.

Ahead of their crucial must-win matches, Malawi coach Meck Mwase said, “I would like to thank (Football Association of Malawi) FAM for allowing us to camp for three weeks with local players.

“The Ethiopia match is very important as we have stayed for a long time without playing an international game and the local players have stayed for a long time without playing competitive games.

Malawi announces 28-Man squad for 2022 Afcon Qualifiers. PHOTO: Malawi 24

“It is very hard playing away and we have not done well in away matches but the Sudan match is a must-win if we are to qualify. We have just scored one goal in the four matches we have played and our plan for the two matches is to score more goals.”

The tactician added, “People are expecting a lot from us and we have worked hard to go and win these matches and qualify for the AFCON.”

Malawi 28-man squad:

Goalkeepers: Bright Munthali (Silver Strikers), William Thole (Mighty Wanderers), Ernest Kakhobwe (Nyasa Big Bullets)

Defenders: Stanley Sanudi, Peter Cholopi (Be Forward Wanderers), Precious Sambani, Nickson Nyasulu (Nyasa Big Bullets), Paul Ndhlovu (MAFCO), Limbikani Mzava (Amazulu), Charles Petro (Sheriff Tiraspol), Dennis Chembezi (Polokwane City).

Midfielders: Chimwemwe Idana, Chimango Kayira (Nyasa Big Bullets), Chikoti Chirwa (Red Lions), Rafick Namwera (Mighty Wanderers), Micium Mhone (Blue Eagles), Patrick Banda (Ekwendeni Hammers), Duncan Nyoni (Silver Strikers), Gerald Phiri (Baroka FC) Peter Banda (Sheriff Tiraspol), Francisco Madinga (FC Dila Gori), John Banda (UD Songo).

Strikers: Schumacher Kuwali (UD Songo), Vincent Nyangulu (Mighty Wanderers), Gabadinho Mhango (Orlando Pirates), Richard Mbulu (Baroka FC), Khuda Muyaba (Polokwane City), Robin Ngalande (Saint George).