Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, stand on the threshold of qualifying for the semi-final of the 2023 Hollywoodbets Cosafa Cup when they face Comoros at Chartsworth Stadium in Durban, South Africa, this afternoon.
The Flames just need a point to secure their qualification for the semi-final and also finish as Group B leaders.
This is a tricky fixture for the Flames as Comoros are also in contention for a place in the last four, just like Zambia.
Seychelles are already out of the race following back-to-back losses in the opening two matches.
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The Flames are in high spirits following two successive victories over Zambia 1-0 and Seychelles 2-0.
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However, the Flames must be brave and show great character against Comoros, who have proved to be a hard nut to crack.
Comoros started the tournament with a 3-0 convincing win over Seychelles but lost 2-1 to Zambia on Sunday.
Flames interim coach Patrick Mabedi refused to be carried away by the Flames’ performance.
“We are not favourites as we are still underdogs. We come here to assemble a team. We want to try to play good football and also entertain people,’’ Mabedi said.
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The Flames are the only side in Group B with clean sheets in two matches.
Mabedi will likely maintain the starting line-up which featured against Zambia and Seychelles. Goalkeeper Brighton Munthali has been in top form alongside Stanley Sanudi, Dennis Chembezi, Nixon Mwase and Alick Lungu.
In midfield, Lloyd Aaron, Chimwemwe Idana, Robert Saizi and Chawanangwa Kaonga are also enjoying a rich vein of form.
Strikers Lanjesi Nkhoma and Christopher Kumwembe will also likely keep their places.
Former Flames defender Moses Chavula said the team has performed beyond expectations.
“Honestly, very few people gave Malawi a chance. But the boys have shown their quality. If we continue like that, we can do well,” Chavula said.
The Flames last qualified for the semi-finals of the regional showpiece in 2003 and went on to reach the finals which they won 4-1 on aggregate to Zimbabwe.
But since then, their best was the quarterfinals. Last year, they exited the group stage with one win, loss and draw in three matches.
