Africa-Press – Malawi. Malawi National Football Team coach Patrick Mabedi has included Moroka Swallows striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango in the final squad ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Tunisia.
Mhango returns to the Flames fold after missing the last two Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Ethiopia and Guinea.
However, Mabedi has named five foreign-country based players for the upcoming matches.
Apart from Mhango, captain John ‘CJ’ Banda of UD Songo, Black Leopards goalkeeper Brighton Munthali, Chembezi Dennis and Chifundo Mphasi are the other foreign-country based players in the squad.
But Costa do Sol striker Richard Mbulu, who scored seven goals in Mozambique has been excluded alongside teammates Yamikani Chester, Lloyd Njaliwa and Chikoti Chirwa. Chawanangwa Kaonga has been ruled out of the two qualifiers due to an injury.
Mabedi has maintained the majority of the players that drew 2-2 against Guinea at Bingu National Stadium.
Kamuzu Barracks Olson Kanjira and FCB Nyasa Bullets Reserve goalkeeper Austin Chirambo are also in the final squad for the trip.
However, Mabedi was not readily available for his comment yesterday.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Communications and Competitions Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the team will leave on Monday through Kamuzu International Airport.
The Flames started preparations for the two matches last week.
During the first week, Mabedi had only 16 players. He summoned 19 players for the second after players from Mighty Mukuru Wanderers and Silver Strikers joined camp.
Bullets players did not join camp as they have two games in hand in the TNM Super League.
Sports analyst Moses Chavula said the Flames should fight for a win against Liberia.
“It will be a tough match but they can get a positive result,” he said.
Apart from Liberia, Tunisia and Malawi, Group H has Namibia, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome and Principe.
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