Muhamad Sulumba, Micium Mhone dropped
South Africa’s Jomo Cosmos winger Micium Mhone and Nyasa Big Bullets striker Muhamad Sulumba are the notable names dropped from the 2016 Cosafa Castle Cup squad which embattled Flames Coach Ernest Mtawali has released.
After losing 0-3 in Zimbabwe on Sunday to crash out of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Group L qualifying race, Mtawali has also excluded Bullets keeper Ernest Kakhobwe and defender Pilirani Zonda, according to Cosafa website.
Recalled are goalkeepers Brighton Munthali (Silver Strikers), John Soko (Blue Eagles) and Be Forward Wanderers winger, Isaac Kaliyati, who join other youngsters Gerald Phiri Jnr, Rafik Namwela, Wonderful Jelemani, Stanley Sanudi and Miracle Gabeya.
All seasoned players, who played in Harare, have reclaimed their positions, including Gabadinho Mhango, John Banda, Peter Wadabwa and South Africa-based captain Limbikani Mzava who missed Sunday’s match through injury.
Vice -captain Chiukepo Msowoya and defender Harry Nyirenda complete the seniors’ presence in the team which kick-starts its Cosafa Cup campaign against Angola on Sunday.
“It is a major statement of intent from Mtawali, who is hoping to steer Malawi to their first ever Cosafa Castle Cup crown,” reported www.cosafa.com.
Malawi’s second Group B game is against Mauritius on June 14 then Lesotho two days later. Angola have since named Under-19 players in their squad.
The Flames, who are Cosafa Plate Division champions, were expected to proceed to Namibia for a warm-up match against the Brave Warriors.
Football Association of Malawi has given Mtawali a tough task of winning the Cosafa Castle Cup if he is to have his one-year contract considered for renewal.
Malawi squad: Goalkeepers: Munthali, Charles Swini, Soko Defenders: Stanley Sanudi, Yamikani Fodya, Miracle Gabeya, Francis Mulimbika, John Lanjesi, Limbikani Mzava, Nyirenda.
Midfielders: Jeremani, Kaliati, Josephy Kamwendo, John Banda, Dalitso Sailesi, Namwera, Gerald Phiri
Forwards: Msowoya, Wadabwa, Mhango
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