Malawi National Football Team interim Coach Kalisto Pasuwa has said his charges are in a positive state of mind ahead of the dead-rubber 2024 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Burkina Faso at Bingu National Stadium this Monday.
This comes after the Flames held Burundi to a goal-less stalemate in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on Thursday night.
Pasuwa, who was in charge of the Flames for the first time since he took over the mantle following the sacking of Patrick Mabedi, said the result against Burundi was a step in the right direction.
“I think the result brings confidence to the boys who played. Everyone who is in the house, with this result, we can raise up our heads and soldier on,” Pasuwa said.
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Pasuwa has blended his starting line-up with experience and up-and-coming players having featured Frank Gabadihno Mhango, Richard Mbulu, John Banda, Yankho Singo, Alick Lungu and Gaddie Chirwa.
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However, the Zimbabwean, while he was happy with the clean sheet against Burundi, said there was no proper transition between midfield and front line.
“The transition from defence to attack was a bit slow. But we have to see when we go back home,” he said.
The Flames are expected to arrive back in the country this afternoon.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) First Vice President Madalitso Kuyera, who is chairperson of Technical sub-committee, was reluctant to comment on the performance of the team against Burundi.
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But sports analyst Parry Chinyama said Flames failed to capitalise on Burundi’s weaknesses.
“It is too early to judge Pasuwa and his players. The Flames were the better side in the first half but did not create scoring opportunities,’’ he said.
The Flames will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Burkina Faso having lost four consecutive matches in the Afcon qualifiers.
Malawi lost 3-2 to Burundi at BNS in the first game before 3-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in Bamako, Mali.
Then followed back-to-back defeats to Senegal (4-0 and 1-0) home and away respectively.
