Malawi National Football Team Coach Patrick Mabedi has warned his charges to guard against complacency when they host Sao Tome and Principe in a 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe Thursday.
The Flames received a timely boost following the arrival of foreign country-based players on Monday.
This means Mabedi has a full house ahead of the clash against Sao Tome tomorrow before meeting Equatorial Guinea in Malabo four days later.
However, after Tuesday’s training session at Bishop Mackenzie in Lilongwe, the Flames gaffer said underrating Sao Tome would be at the Flames’ own peril.
“We watched them and they are a team that concedes goals. We all know their weaknesses and strengths. It is all about us being on top of our game and this is what we are doing in training. It is a team that, if not careful, can hurt you,” Mabedi said.
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Mabedi named a 26-member squad, which comprises seven foreign country-based players, for the two matches. All the foreign country-based players joined camp on Monday.
Captain John Banda was the last player to join camp on Monday after Brighton Munthali, Dennis Chembezi, Chawanangwa Kaonga, Robert Saizi, Chifundo Mphasi and Henry Kumwenda arrived.
Mabedi was also pleased with the mentality of the players in camp.
“I am glad that we have everyone in good shape and no injuries. Everyone is looking sharp and we just need to focus on tactics. The local players also look better after playing nine matches in the league. The foreign country-based players are showing good character,’’ Mabedi said.
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Flames striker Kumwenda is likely to make his competitive debut against Sao Tome tomorrow. The former Leeds United Academy striker felt honoured to be in the final squad.
“It is everyone’s dream to play for the national team. This is a chance to showcase my quality. This is boosting my confidence as a player,’’ Kumwenda said.
Kumwenda was part of the Flames squad during the Four Nations Tournament but had limited game-time due to illness.
The Flames have three points following their 1-0 victory over Liberia but lost by a similar margin to Tunisia at home.
However, Sao Tome are without a win in two matches, having lost 4-0 and 2-0 to Tunisia and Namibia, respectively.
Sports analyst Sherry Msuku said the Flames should not underrate any team in the group.
“It is always difficult to play against such teams. They have nothing to lose and can surprise you,” he said.
In another Group H match, Namibia host Liberia at Orlando Stadium in South Africa today whereas Tunisia will meet Equatorial Guinea at Stade Olympique Hammadi.
Namibia and Tunisia are joint leaders with six points each. Liberia are third whereas the Flames are fourth. Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome are fifth and sixth, respectively.
