Make Them See Red

Tension, drama, excitement, anxiety and jubilation—these are some of the emotions expected to engulf Kamuzu Stadium this afternoon when the Flames host Guinea in a must-win 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Group L qualifier.

Thousands of supporters are expected to paint Kamuzu Stadium red this afternoon in their Flames attire, courtesy of Make Them See Red’ Campaign, which is a Times Group brainchild.

This game is of utmost significance to the Flames, who are aiming for their third qualification to Africa’s biggest football showpiece.

With two points from three matches, the Flames, who drew 0-0 against Guinea on Friday, have some catching up to do in Group L as they trail Swaziland and Zimbabwe by three points. Mtawali is confident.

“The formation will definitely change as we aim to make use of home ground advantage and win the match. We will attack them from kick off and make sure we score first. Guinea are the toughest team in the group, but I have confidence in my guys that they will make it,” said Mtawali upon arrival from Guinea on Sunday afternoon.

Mtawali, who deployed a defensive 4-5-1 formation in Guinea with Chiukepo Msowoya playing as the lone striker, will today likely add a second striker with either Gabadinho Mhango or Schumacher Kuwali as options.

Wonder Jeremani would have to sacrifice his defensive duties in midfield to accomodate more attacking players in Micium Mhone, John Banda, Joseph Kamwendo and Robert Ng’ambi.

The midfield defensive duties would solely rest on Chimango Kayira. Brighton Munthali would likely earn his third senior cap in goals.

Mzava has called on Flames fans to rally behind the Flames this afternoon, adding that “this is a crucial match and victory is a must.”

Guinea are expected to bring their full arsenal with potential match winners being Idrissa Sylla (Anderlecht, Belgium) and Ibrahim Traore’ who plays for Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany.