Malawi Names 32-Player Squad for Four-Nation Tournament
The March 21-26 event at Bingu National Stadium will feature the host Malawi, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe along with their under-20 sides.
LILONGWE, Malawi - Flames head coach Patrick Mabedi announced a 32-player squad Friday for Malawi's national football team ahead of the upcoming four-nation tournament in Lilongwe, writes Happy Valirani.
The March 21-26 event at Bingu National Stadium will feature the host Malawi, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe along with their under-20 sides.
"The preparations have been going so well. We started with six players in the first week as Super League teams are busy tuning up for the 2024 season," Mabedi said.
"But this week we had close to 22 players. The preparations have been good, we have no injuries."
The coach revealed a blend of young talents and experienced players from both local and foreign clubs, including new European-based youngsters getting their first national team callup.
"We take this tournament as a test for the new players, especially the youngsters who play in Europe. It will give them a chance to showcase their talent," Mabedi said.
New faces include Yamikani Mologen (FC Bullets), Henri Kumwenda (Batler), Takondwa Maosa (Brentwood Town), Jubri Okedina (Cambridge United), George Chikooka, Mark Lameck (Silver Strikers), Alex Kambilinya (Wakawaka Tigers) and Wongani Lungu (Ekwendeni Hammers).
Recalled is Gabadinho Mhango of South Africa's Moroka Swallows, who was dropped for recent AFCON qualifiers.
Other foreign-based players are Chawanangwa Kaonga, Robert Saizi (Zanaco FC), Chifundo Mphasi (Kabwe Warriors), Llyod Njaliwa (Costa do Sol), captain Christopher Banda (UD Songo), Chembezi Denis (Al-Qusim) and Brighton Munthali (Black Leopards).
Malawi opens against Kenya on March 23.
Losers face off for third place while winners advance to the final.