The Malawi National Football Team technical panel is sweating over the fitness of the team’s captain Limbikani Mzava, who suffered a hamstring injury during the Flames’ 2-1 win over Zimbabwe on Friday.
Mzava missed two training sessions ahead of tomorrow’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group B match against Senegal.
Flames coach Meck Mwase said Mzava did not train with the team on Saturday and yesterday amid injury concerns.
“It is something of concern but we are yet to get a final report from our medical team,” Mwase said.
Mzava suffered an injury early in the first half and was replaced by Civil Service United defender Lawrence Chaziya, who fitted well despite it being his competitive debut for the Flames.
Following the injury, Mzava was taken to the hospital but a medical report is not yet out.
In the absence of Mzava, Mwase, who has been in charge of the team at the expense of self-isolating Mario Marian Marinica, will likely maintain Chaziya or can choose from several options including Peter Cholopi of Mighty Wanderers and Mafco’s Paul Ndhlovu.
Flames former midfielder Sherry Msuku, while admitting that Mzava was highly experienced, said there was no cause for alarm as the other options were equally good.
“We saw Chaziya performing equally good against Zimbabwe. He was up against experienced players like Knowledge Musona but he contained them,” he said.
Malawi lie third in Group B with three points and they must beat the Lions of Teranga to reach the last 16.
Senegal, alongside Guinea, are joint leaders with four points each. Top two teams from each of the six groups will qualify for last 16 while four best third-placed sides will also proceed to the next round.
Peter Fote is a Sports Journalist with huge experience in radio and Television reporting, production and presentation. He once worked with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and is currently working for Times Media Group.