Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, step onto the turf of Mahamasina Municipal Stadium with one mission—to defeat Madagascar’s Barea in the first leg of the African Nations Championship (Chan) today.
Coming from a goal-less draw against Kenya’s Harambee Stars on Wednesday in a friendly, the Flames must be on top of their game to stop the Barea.
Fireworks are expected at the 24,000-seater stadium, where the Flames are favourites on paper. Malawi is ranked on position 100 whereas the hosts are on position 120.
Madagascar might be the under dogs, but the Flames have, on several occasions, performed below par against such lowly ranked sides.
The hosts go into this game having only lost once in the last six consecutive games in all competitions.
Their only loss in six games came in 2016 against Swaziland but the islanders have beaten teams such as Seychelles and Sao Tome (twice).
In view of this, the Flames must exercise caution when facing the Indian Ocean islanders.
Since 1987, Malawi and Madagascar have met six times as the hosts won thrice, lost twice and drawn once.
Fired up by new Belgian Coach, Ronny van Geneugden, the Flames are determined to claim an away victory, which has been a tall order for the Flames since 2015.
Speaking to the players after Thursday’s training in Madagascar, Geneugden demanded commitment from them.
“We are playing away and we need to keep the ball. We have good players who can keep the ball. Let us play with confidence and show that we are playing for the nation,” Geneugden reportedly said.
As of Thursday, the team had no serious injury concerns although Harvey Nkacha suffered a knock.
The Flames will likely maintain the same squad that played against Kenya with Ernest Kakhobwe in goals whereas Lucky Malata, Stanley Sanudi, John Lanjesi and Francis Mlimbika will man the defence.
Captain Davie Banda and workhorse, Chimango Kayira, will be at the hub of the Flames’ midfield whereas Muhammad Sulumba will likely lead the attack alongside Kelvin Hanganda.
Madagascar, who are coached by Frenchman, Raux Auguste, boast of stars such as free scoring, Jeannot Vombola.
The Flames will host Madagascar on the weekend of April 29 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The winner of the two-legged affair will progress to the second round then the third and last qualifying phase for a place at the finals in Kenya next year.
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