Malawi National Football Team Coach Patrick Mabedi 20-member squad for back-to-back matches against Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers has attracted differing comments after he recalled and overlooked some senior players.
The Flames are expected to face Senegal in Dakar on Friday October 11 before hosting the Lions of Teranga Lions at Bingu National Stadium on October 15.
Mabedi has recalled the Mozambique-based duo of Richard Mbulu and Lloyd Njaliwa.
By public demand, Mabedi has included Mighty Mukuru Wanderers left back Timothy Silwimba.
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However, there is no place for experienced striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango, who is reportedly under probe after he was involved in a car accident last week in South Africa.
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Meanwhile, Mbulu returns to the Flames fold after one year absence having last played for the team in a 2-2 draw against Guinea in September 2023.
The Costa do Sol striker (Mbulu) has been recalled following his impressive form in which he has scored four goals in the 2024 Mocambola League.
However, Mabedi has dropped goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu, defender Gomezgani Chirwa, midfielders Chikondi, Patrick Macheso and Uchizi Vunga.
Mabedi was yet to respond to our questionnaire when we went to press.
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Football Association of Malawi (Fam) Competition and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the Flames local based players will leave today.
According to Zakazaka, the foreign-based players will join the rest of the squad in Dakar, Senegal.
“We believe that the Flames will have an opportunity to train in Senegal for at least four days before the game on Friday,” Zakazaka said.
Zakazaka said the four players namely striker Chifundo Mphasi, goalkeeper William Thole, defender Precious Sambani and TNM Super League leading goal scorer Isaac Kaliati are on standby.
Thole, Sambani and Kaliati are expected to join the squad in Lilongwe for the return leg next week.
Mabedi will travel with 20 players which comprises two goalkeepers Brighton Munthali and George Chikooka.
Munthali missed two matches against Burundi and Burkina Faso due to injury.
The former Kaizer Chiefs gaffer and captain was not readily available for his comment yesterday.
However, he has been under pressure following the team’s poor performance in all competitions. He has only won two matches in six matches.
Sports analyst George Kaudza-Masina said Mabedi has selected the players on merit.
“A very good squad taking into account the players we have to trust the coach for his choice. Almost all the players have been picked on merit and more so, on the coaches game plan. It will be unfair to start suggesting who else could have been included as we have not been told why others have been left. A game of Senegal’s class, experience is key in the choice in addition to the ones already tried and tested,” Kaudza-Masina said.
Another analyst Kandani Ngwira said the Flames have performed below par in absence of Gabadinho.
“Maybe it is time to review statistics and make an in-formed decision. It is more worrying to see a leading scorer being put on standby,” Ngwira said.
The Flames chances of qualifying for Afcon finals are slim after two losses. This means the Flames must beat Senegal to revive their qualification dream.
Malawi anchor Group L following two losses in two opening matches of the Afcon qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Senegal have named a strong squad ahead of the Flames matches.
The Teranga Lions fired coach Aliou Cisse at the end of his contract.
The squad comprises Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Pape Gueye, Nickolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr.
