The national team of Malawi will camp in Saudi Arabia as they prepare for Group D back-to-back matches against Egypt in the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Part of the team traveled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, while Scotland-based defender Kieran Ngwenya, and midfielders Fransisco Madinga and John Banda from Botswana and Mozambique respectively are all expected to be with the team by March 13th.
The Malawi Flames will face Egypt in Cairo on March 24th, 2023, and again host the same side in Lilongwe four days later.
“We must work hard because we must prepare well to be able to perform well in the two matches against Egypt,” said Malawi’s head coach Mario Marinica.
The Malawi Football Federation Technical Support Manager James Sangala said: “All is set for the Saudi trip. We are arranging to have some friendly matches during the period and the opponents will be announced later.
“We will leave for Cairo on Sunday, March 19. The rest of the foreign-based players, who will not be part of this camp, will fly directly to Cairo from their respective bases.”
This is the second time the Flames are camping in Saudi Arabia, where they held their 2021 AFCON pre-tournament camp in December 2021.
Malawi are currently second in Group D with 3 points after one win and a draw in the two matches played. All the four teams in the group including Ethiopia, Guinea and Egypt have three points.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Charles Thom (Silver Strikers), Brighton Munthali (Blue Eagles), Clever Nkungula (Nyasa Big Bullets)
Defenders: Lawrence Chaziya, Miracle Gabeya, Stanely Sanudi (all Mighty Mukuru Wanderers), Paul Ndhlovu (MAFCO), Blessings Mpokera, Gomezgani Chirwa, Alick Lungu (all Nyasa Big Bullets), Kieran Ngwenya (Aberdeen), Nickson Mwase (Silver Strikers), Kelvin Kadzinje (CIVO)
Midfielders: John Banda (UD Songo), Francsisco Madinga (Galaxy FC), Frank Willard, Chawanangwa Gumbo, Patrick Mwaungulu (all Nyasa Big Bullets), Chimwemwe Idana (Silver Strikers), Gilbert Chirwa, Micium Mhone (both Blue Eagles)
Strikers: Chiukepo Msowoya, Christopher Kumwembe, Gaddi Chirwa (all Mighty Mukuru Wanderers), Stain Davie (Silver Strikers)
