Malawi National Football Team, the Flames, have suffered a major setback as striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango has been ruled out of this Friday’s away clash against Liberia after missing a flight to Ethiopia from Or Tambo in South Africa.
Mhango was supposed to link up with teammates in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Monday before proceeding to Liberia Tuesday.
Flames coach Patrick Mabedi described it as a big setback.
“It is sad that Gaba missed a flight in South Africa. The FA tried everything possible but, unfortunately, he did not arrive in time at the airport and there is nothing we can do about it. We are going through tough times. As you know, there is a problem with forex and it is difficult to change tickets,” Mabedi said.
The Moroka Swallows striker was expected to return into the Flames fold after missing the two last matches in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers against Ethiopia (0-0) and Guinea (2-2).
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Midfielder Frank Willard has also been ruled out of the trip due to an injury he sustained while playing for his side, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, against Blue Eagles in a match which ended goal-less at Nankhaka Stadium on Sunday.
Apart from Mhango and Willard, striker Chawanangwa Kaonga was ruled out due to an injury he sustained against Guinea at Bingu National Stadium (BNS).
The Flames flew out of the country Monday for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Liberia in Monrovia this Friday.
The Flames will proceed to Liberia Tuesday after spending a night in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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Before departure Monday, the Flames held their last training session at BNS in the morning.
Mabedi named a 25-member squad for the trip to Liberia.
UD Songo midfielder John Banda, Black Leopards goalkeeper Brighton Munthali, Kabwe Warriors striker Chifundo Mphasi and defender Dennis Chembezi of Al-Qasim SC in Iraq have been included in the squad.
Some of the notable Malawi-based players in the team are Stanley Sanudi, Chimwemwe Idana, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Patrick Mwaungulu, Lawrence Chaziya, Christopher Kumwembe and Lloyd Aaron.
After Monday’s training session, Captain C.J Banda said they are ready to cause an upset in the group.
“It will be important for us to finish top of the group. The two matches are very crucial and if we win both of them, it will be better for us,” Banda said.
The Flames will host Tunisia at BNS on Tuesday next week.
