Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, have their destiny in their hands when they face Ethiopia in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier at Zimpeto National Stadium in Maputo, Mozambique, this afternoon.
For at least 90 minutes today, the nation will likely hold its breath as this is Flames’ last chance to keep their Afcon qualification dream alive.
Any result, apart from a win, the Flames will be out of the race for next year’s finals.
After a battered reputation in the qualifiers, having lost three consecutive matches, starting with a 1-0 loss to Guinea away in Conakry, a 2-0 loss to Egypt before another 4-0 embarrassing defeat to the Pharaohs, the Flames must rise from the dead.
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Following Egypt’s 2-1 win over Guinea last week, the Flames must win their remaining two matches including beating Ethiopia to qualify for next year’s finals to be staged in Ivory Coast.
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Egypt have qualified with 12 points.
However, if they win today against Ethiopia. the Flames will need to beat Guinea by a two-goal margin without a reply to reach the Promised Land.
Guinea have an upper hand as they have nine points from five matches, six above Flames and Ethiopia, Guinea will just need a draw against Malawi to confirm their ticket.
But Guinea can qualify if Malawi and Ethiopia share the spoils in today’s match.
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The Flames will be hoping for a double over Ethiopia, having won 2-1 in the first leg at BNS in Lilongwe.
However, the majority of the players including Frank Gabadinho Mhango (injured) are not part of the squad.
However, there is renewed hope in Flames camp as interim coach Patrick Mabedi has trusted more youngsters, who drew 1-1 in a practice match against Mozambique last week.
Mabedi will be hoping that his charges will not afford any slip up.
Ahead of the match, Mabedi is confident that his charges can triumph.
“We have prepared very well and the friendly we played helped us assess the squad. We have minor injuries (Richard Mbulu and Peter Banda) but the doctors will make the final determination. We are focusing on Ethiopia to collect maximum points,” he said.
On the other hand, Ethiopia hired Daniel Gebremariam as head coach replacing Wubetu Abate.
The Walias of Ethiopia anchor Group D with three points.
