Uphill task for the Flames today

…Joseph Kamwendo will not play

There could be a few more dreams the Malawi national team could have in mind, but a win today against Guinea could certainly not be one the team will leave to forget, and mentor Ernest Mtawali just knows this anyway.

The Flames play host to the National Elephants at Kamuzu Stadium in the Afcon 2017 qualifiers, just four days before their barren draw in Conakry.

In Conakry the Flames missed a couple of good chances with forward Gabadihno Mhango, whose heroics could hit the account again failing to finish a clear one  from a marvelous pass from Micium Mhone.

This could not certainly be the biggest highlight other than the draw itself with also a draw by Group Leaders Zimbabwe in Swaziland who later yesterday walked over the Swazis at home by 4 goals to nil.

The result means that the Flames have no option but to capitalize on their home match today.

Before they left for Guinea last week, Mtawali said that he was looking to win in both games.

But as of now, he remains with a spirit to win today as that would place the team on third position with same points like Swaziland on 5 five points with one away and home game to spare in the race.

But coach Ernest Mtawali says his charges are ready for the challenge today and that a win would certainly boost the morale for the side.

‘’We are aware of how a win would boost our chances for qualification. Let all Malawians come and support us at the stadium’’ said Mtawali while ruling out fatigue as a draw back on the space between the games.

Joseph Kamwendo is reportedly not going to play having picked up two yellow cards in the first round games. He could be replaced by Isaac Kaliati in the midfield.

In the first three games, the Flames drew 2-all with Swaziland, before a 2-1 home loss to Zimbabwe and a goalless draw in Guinea.

Mtawali is likely to maintain the same side that played in Conakry xcept for Kamwendo.

Youthful keeper who got the coach’s praise, Brighton Munthali should start in goals and the defence will surely have Stanely Sanudi in the right frank ,Harry Nyirenda as full back , Limbikani Mzava as centre back and , Francis Mlimbika manning as left back.

The midfield could see the appearance of Mhone, Robert Ng’ambi, John Banda, Kaliati and Chimango Kaira.

And on the upfront, Chiukepo Msowoya is expected to start as a lone forward.

This is certainly an uphill task for the team to qualify for the continental showpiece next year.

Group L