Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has hit a snag in its quest to have the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Burkina Faso shifted.
Initially, Fam asked their counterparts, Burkinabé Football Federation, to shift the first leg match slated for Ouagadougou from March 29 to 23rd before the return match which is slated for March 31 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Apparently, Fam is not in a position to charter a plane for the Flames to travel for the away match before hosting Burkina Faso in two days for the return match.
Due to flight connections, it is feared that Malawi national football team would arrive back home a day before the return leg.
Fam General Secretary, Alfred Gunda, confirmed that their counterparts rejected their proposal to bring forward the first leg as it was unlikely for the association to charter a plane.
“We can’t charter a plane because we don’t have enough money. It will be a big lie and an uphill task to charter a plane. What is needed is to plan to fulfil the fixtures,” he said.
Gunda said Fam was looking at ways to ensure that the senior men’s side has proper routes to arrive in time before the second leg.
“We need to find the fastest ways in which we can go and come back and at the same time being competitive on the field without overstretching the players.
“You must know that our colleagues in other parts of Africa have got ways of killing us and these are some of the ways but all in all we should not be babies; we have do our part,” Gunda said.
Meanwhile, Flames Coach, Meck Mwase, has described the development as a tactical move by Burkina Faso to frustrate the Flames.
Mwase said they were cautious as it would be a daunting task facing The Stallions in Ouagadougou.
“This is a crucial assignment for us. I know they will do everything possible to frustrate us but we are not moved. We need to be strong mentally and physically for any tricks,” he said.
Flames are third in Group B with three points from two matches. Malawi beat South Sudan 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium but lost to Uganda 2-0.
