Revealed: Ng’ambi refused to come in as a substitute

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Robbert Ng'ambi

Flames head coach Ernest Mtawali has revealed that midfielder Robert Ng’ambi refused to come in as a second half substitute during Malawi’s two-all-draw against Swaziland in the 2017 African Cup of Nations some weeks ago.

According to information sourced by Malawi24, Mtawali submitted a report to the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) of what exactly happened before and during the match.

Robbert Ng'ambi
Ng’ambi refused to be brought in.

It is believed that the Platinum Stars midfielder complained of a knock when he was about to be introduced, forcing Mtawali to use Chawanangwa Kaonga.

But after the game, Ng’ambi vented his anger on his coach for warming the bench throughout the match.

He told reporters that his snubbing was a clear indication that he was no longer in the plans of the mentor.

“We could have won the match had it been that some of the players were serious enough. Every coach has his own strategy but then we shouldn’t make hasty decisions,” he told the media just after the match.

Commenting on the latest developments concerning the row between the duo, FAM general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda said he was yet to meet Mtawali to discuss the submitted report.

“The report is indicating that he (Ng’ambi) excussed himself from being used as a substitute because he has a knock. I cannot pre-empt everything now, let me meet the coaches first and find out what exactly happenned,” said Nyirenda.

Prior to the match, Mtawali had dropped senior players including captain Joseph Kamwendo and it was only Ng’ambi who survived the chop.

Currently, the Flames squad comprised of local players is in camp preparing for their 2018 FIFA World Cup preliminary first round qualifier away to Tanzania on 4 October before a return leg on 11th the same month.

It is not known whether the midfielder will be called for the clash or not.