There will be nowhere to hide for South Sudan tomorrow as Malawi coach Callisto Pasuwa vows to unleash an attacking Flames side in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Pasuwa wants Malawi to take the game to their opponents, but knows an aggressive approach could also leave his team vulnerable at the other end.
“We need to be offensive but we need to be careful because we can be caught on counterattacks,” Pasuwa said.
The coach was speaking at a press conference at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe today ahead of the qualifier.
Pasuwa warned his players against taking South Sudan lightly, saying teams regarded as small can prove dangerous.
“We are hoping for the best. In these games, we are playing with the mind. What are regarded as small teams are always dangerous. We need to be focused,” he said.
He said the Flames must balance their attacking approach with disciplined movement when they lose possession.
“We need to move in defensive positions and create space,” Pasuwa said.
Malawi will go into the match without Richard Mbulu and Jordan Kananga because of injuries.
Mbulu is nursing a groin injury, while Kananga has an ankle sprain.
Adiel Kaduya, who had been sick, has recovered and appears ready for selection.
“Overall, most of the guys are ready and eager to play,” Pasuwa said.
Stand-in captain Charles Petro says the players now have to deliver after the work done by the technical team.
“The coach has done everything. Now it is about us to play our part. It’s a crucial game and we need to be focused,” Petro said.
Malawi are in Group B of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers alongside Egypt, Angola and South Sudan.
