Malawi’s Flames get down to 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying business this afternoon in Guinea, mindful that a loss would be unacceptable, a draw bearable and a win a life-line.
Ahead of the Group L game scheduled for September 28 Stadium in Conakry, the Flames coach, Ernest Mtawali, has tipped the scales in favour of his charges, who are third on the pile with a single point.
“We watched them [Guinea] play during Chan [African Nations Championship] in Rwanda, where they did well. But from that squad, they have retained only five players and the rest are foreign-based,” Mtawali said on Thursday.
“They did not play a friendly game, but we were able to try most of our players in Sierra Leone. It is like we are meeting a select team, and in that regard, we have a bit of an advantage. I am confident that we will do wonders.”
Such is an air of optimism coming from Conakry, where it is reportedly humid. Mtawali had all praises for the condition of the pitch in the West African country with a population of 12 million. The game kicks-off at 5 pm Malawi time.
The only discomfort for Malawi is that, save for an away 1-0 win in Namibia three years ago, the 104th ranked Flames’ record on the road is uninspiring. If not atrocious.
The Flames, who are also yet to win in Guinea this decade, have in three of four practice matches, been conceding. Expect a 4-2-3-1 defensive formation to be deployed in Guinea.
Mtawali’s concerns are on flue-stricken striker, Schumacher Kuwali, and injury doubt, Harry Nyirenda.
The Black Leopards defender is subject to a late fitness test with John Lanjesi, who stepped in his boots during Tuesday’s 1-1 draw in Sierra Leone, ready to start alongside captain Limbikani Mzava, Stanley Sanudi and Francis Mlimbika.
Deposed captain, Joseph Kamwendo, should get the big nod in the midfield creative hub, with Robert Ng’ambi slotted in as a false striker behind lone front-man, Chiukepo Msowoya.
Msowoya is tasked with harassing Guinea’s defence, which captain Kamil Zayatte will marshal with Naby Yattara manning the posts of the hosts, who are ranked 63rd in the world Upfront, Malawi young goalkeeper, Bright Munthali, should watch out for the opportunistic and predatory instincts of seasoned Guinea striker, Ishmael Bangoura.
Malawi drew 2-2 in Swaziland and lost 2-1 to the Warriors in the group’s first round.
In the last five games on all fronts, Malawi has won thrice and lost twice, whereas Guinea’s record in similar number of matches is a single win, three draws and a loss.
Having lost 2-1 at a neutral venue in Morocco, then dropped points away against table-topping Zimbabwe, the Sylie Nationale or National Elephants of Guinea will, no doubt, go for an early goal against the Flames.
Guinea, who are placed bottom of the group with a point from two games, will miss well-travelled defender, Kelvin Constant, who is down with flue.
Another meeting today between table-topping, Swaziland and visiting Zimbabwe, who have four points each, will shape the group.
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