Ishemunyoro Chingwere
WE are not coming to Harare for a holiday.” This is the message Malawi are sending to Zimbabwe’s Warriors after announcing a strong squad for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. With two points – six adrift of log leaders Zimbabwe – from four matches and anchoring the group standings, the Flames’ fate is no longer in their hands.

This has not stopped them from believing in miracles with Football Association of Malawi spokesperson Gomezgani Zakazaka saying the squad announced by coach Ernest Mtawali had the capacity to shock the Warriors.

Mtawali last week named a 27-man squad headlined by former Caps United midfielder Joseph Kamwendo.

Zakazaka said Malawi were looking at collecting maximum points from both their remaining matches against Zimbabwe and Swaziland at home.

“We still have six points to fight for from the remaining two games. Collecting these points will increase our chances of mathematically winning this group or finishing among the best runners-up,” said Zakazaka.“But it is no longer in our hands. Surely this group is for Warriors to lose.”

The Football Association of Malawi is leaving nothing to chance and coach Mtawali has two weeks to fine tune his side ahead of the Warriors clash.

“The Flames start camp on Sunday 22 May (today) and are set to play a friendly match against Botswana on May 29 before proceeding to Harare,” said Zakazaka.

Malawi 

Goalkeepers: Charles Swini - HB Songo (Moz), Brighton Munthali - Silver Strikers, John Soko - Blue Eagles

Defenders: Harry Nyirenda - Black Leopards (SA), Limbikani Mzava - Mpumalanga Black Aces (SA), John Lanjesi, Miracle Gabeya, Yamikani Fodya - Nyasa Big Bullets, Stanley Sanudi, Francis Mulimbika - Be Forward Wanderers.

Midfielders: Joseph Kamwendo - Liga Mulcumana (Moz), John Banda - Ferraiviaro de Nampula (Moz), Micium Mhone - Jommo Cosmos (SA), Gerald Phiri Junior – Bidvest (SA), Isaac Kaliyati, Rafiq Namwera, Jafalie Chande - Be Forward Wanderers, Paul Phiri, Stein Malata – MAFCO, Wonderful Jeremani - Silver Strikers, Dalitso Sayilesi - Nyasa Big Bullets.

Strikers: Chiukepo Msowoya, Muhammed Sulumba - Nyasa Big Bullets, Gabadihno Mhango – Bloemfontein Celtic (SA), Schumacher Kuwali - Ferraiviaro de Nampula (Moz), Peter Wadabwa - Be Forward Wanderers, Richard Mbulu — MAFCO