Malawi U20 Coach Confident as Team Heads to COSAFA Championship
Last year, the team failed to progress beyond the group stages, missing out on qualification for the Under-20 African Cup of Nations Championship.
BLANTYRE, Malawi — Malawi Under-20 national football team coach Bob Mpinganjira expressed confidence in his squad's ability to clinch victory at the upcoming COSAFA Youth Championship and secure the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualification, writes Joseph Chalera.
Mpinganjira spoke on Monday morning after announcing his final 20-man roster before the team's departure for Maputo, Mozambique.
The tournament is set to kick off on Thursday.
"The preparations went on well, and we are geared to win the Cup," Mpinganjira said.
"We have never won the tournament, but we hope to this year. We have talked to the players about the importance of this tournament and that we have to go compete and win the Cup, and I am very sure that every player is geared up and that we will get good results."
Malawi is placed in Group C alongside South Africa, Comoros and Lesotho.
Their campaign begins against South Africa on Friday, followed by matches against Comoros and Lesotho on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, respectively.
This year's COSAFA U20 championship serves as a regional qualifier for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, with the two finalists advancing to the continental tournament.
The squad includes:
Goalkeepers: Amos Sande (Ekhaya), Innocent Kamwambi (Lube FC)
Defenders: Washali Jaziya (Silver Strikers), Kondwani Tebulo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Edward Thengo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV), Herimasi Masinja (Ascent Academy), Elias Mwaywanga (Karonga United RSV), Happy Mphepo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)
Midfielders: Precious Kwalenga (Mighty Tigers), Francis Malikebu (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV), Blessings Kanowa (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV), Madalitso Safuli (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV), Zanil Jusabu (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV), Mac Kwalira (Mkwichi PVT School), Misheck Billiat (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV), Mwisho Mhango (Ascent Academy), Stimella Muyira (Chitipa United)
Strikers: Masambiro Kalua (Mighty Tigers), Benson Chifundo Makawa (Kamuzu Barracks), Adriel Kaduya (Silver Strikers)
Last year, the team failed to progress beyond the group stages, missing out on qualification for the Under-20 African Cup of Nations Championship.