Patrick Mabedi has dropped 8 players from the squad that is traveling to Mali and expected to face Burkina Faso on Tuesday next week.
The Head Coach, Mabedi has dropped the only Left Back, Precious Sambani from his squad which means Gomezgani Chirwa remains the favorite candidate for the position in the next assignment.
Mabedi has also dropped Silver Strikers’ midfielders, Uchizi Vunga, Chikondi Kamanga, defender, Maxwell Paipi, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets’ duo of Nixon Nyasulu and Wongani Lungu, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers’ attacker, Gaddie Chirwa.
CRECK Sporting Club’s goal-keeper, Charles Chisale who received a late call-up to replace injured Brighton Munthali has also been dropped, leaving George Chikooka and Innocent Nyasulu as the only options for Mabedi.
Flames were beaten by Burundi 3-2 on Thursday at home and they are hoping to beat Burkina Faso in Bamako next week to bring the journey back alive.
The first group of the Flames left Malawi through Kamuzu International Airport. The group would have a stop over in Blantyre and connect to Ethiopia in the afternoon where they will spend a night before proceeding to Bamako, Mali tomorrow ahead of Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Burkina Faso.
The second group of the team is expected to leave in the afternoon and they will join the others in Ethiopia.
The Coach has entrusted 20 players to face Burkina Faso.
Flames Squad traveling to Mali to face Burkina Faso
Goalkeepers
George Chikooka and Innocent Nyasulu
Defenders
Macdonald Lameck, Nickson Mwase, Stanley Sanudi, Lawrence Chaziya, Gomezgani Chirwa and Denis Chembezi
Midfielders
Llyod Aaron, Wisdom Mpinganjira, Chimwemwe Idana, Patrick Macheso, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Patrick Mwaungulu, John Banda, Yamikani Chester and Robert Saizi.
Strikers
Zeliat Nkhoma, Chawanangwa Kawonga and Chifundo Mphasi
