Africa-Press – Malawi. As in the old days when Israelites used to receive Manna from Heaven! The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 that Malawi’s Flames are through to the second round of the 2022 CHAN qualifiers without kicking a ball following Zimbabwe’s failure to get their FIFA suspension lifted.
The Flames was expected to play Zimbabwe in the first round of the qualifiers. CAF however indicated that the fixture will go ahead only if Zimbabwe’s FIFA suspension is lifted two weeks before the first match which was slated for July 23, 2022.
As per letter from CAF to Football Association of Malawi confirming the development, reads “We are referring to the suspension of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) by FIFA Congress from all football activities. Unfortunately, the association of Zimbabwe did not fulfill the criteria set by FIFA Congress and is still under suspension”.
“Hence, we hereby confirm to you that the clause indicated in the draw procedures is applied. In case the suspension of Zimbabwe FA is not lifted two weeks before it’s first match, it will be considered loser and eliminated from the competition.
“Consequently, all the matches of Zimbabwe in the Frame of the 1st round of qualifiers of CHAN 2022 are now cancelled and consequently Malawi has qualified to the second round of the qualifiers”.
However, one of the country’s sports analysts, Dr. Jones Kaponda Masiye says the nation should not celebrate on the Manna which has fallen unto, “But instead look at the impact which can come ahead for not playing Zimbabwe in the first round qualifiers”.
He added if we had qualified by playing the Warriors we could be able to asses ourselves hence prepare well for the next stage. “It’s good news qualifying for second round but at the same time bad for making it without kicking a ball, because if we played Zimbabwe and win the game we would be able to note our strength and weaknesses hence rectifying before the second round.
“We have to set our objective for this competition. For instance if we are aiming to build team then let’s assemble players who have not played on highest level so that they gain exposure and build courage in them.
“But if we aim of winning it then, we have to assemble a strong side which will be able to compete and produce results, if we do this as a country will be able to target our goal and objectives”, observes Masiye. Malawi will play the winner between Zambia and Mozambique in the second round of qualifiers.
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