Mabedi plays down Gaba’s absence
Flames coach Patrick Mabedi has dismissed assertions that the team lacks the attacking prowess of South Africa-based forward Frank Gabadinho Mhango.
He was responding to a question in a post-match press conference on whether his admission that the Flames lacked a killer punch during Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Tunisia, was a result of not having Mhango in the team.
Malawi lost the match 1-0 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
In a response monitored on FAM Facebook page, Mabedi said: “Not at all, not at all because football is about 11 players.
“I don’t think it is necessary to say we lost because of one player. Everyone who played is capable and deserves to be in the team.
“We have played almost nine games without the people you mentioned and we did well.
“I think we need to understand and accept that we need to groom other players, I know it is difficult to accept, but we [also] need to look into the future.”
The coach left out the AmaZulu FC forward from the squad on disciplinary grounds, having missed his flight from Johannesburg to Blantyre to join the rest of the squad a day before their departure for Liberia for their opening qualifier which Malawi won 0-1.
When asked yesterday, Mhango said he will speak at an appropriate time.
“I think for now, it would be better if I keep my mouth shut,” he said.
On the performance of the team, Mabedi said: “Technically and tactically, Tunisia were good on the ball. But we contained them and made them run for their money. We [also] need to understand that we are on a rebuilding process.”
