Flames stand-in captain Richard Mbulu has urged Malawians not to write off the Malawi National Football Team’s chances of qualifying for the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), insisting there is still plenty to play for despite their mixed start to the campaign.
The Mozambique-based UD Songo forward said this in an interview yesterday in Cairo, Egypt, ahead of tomorrow night’s matchday three Group B qualifier against the Pharaohs at Cairo International Stadium. The two teams will meet again the return leg scheduled for four days later at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Malawi opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over South Sudan in Lilongwe before suffering a 3-1 defeat to Angola’s Palancas Negras in their second match.
Egypt and Angola are tied on four points, but the Pharaohs lead the group on goal difference. Malawi are third on three points, while South Sudan are bottom without a point.
But Mbulu believes the Flames can still secure a place at next year’s final tournament, which will be co-hosted by three East African community nations, namely Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
He said: “We have played just two rounds of matches and still have four games to go. If we collect maximum points from the remaining matches, we can make it to the final tournament.
“We need to believe in ourselves that we can make it, starting with a victory in Friday’s match against Egypt.”
The striker, whose goal against Uganda in the 2021 Afcon qualifiers helped Malawi book their place at the final tournament in Cameroon, said the players are ready to fight for their country.
“Everyone is aware of the importance of this match. We know what we are supposed to do,” he said.
While acknowledging the frustration among supporters following the disappointing performance against Angola, Mbulu appealed for continued support.
In that match, Malawi conceded just two minutes into the match and went on to concede two more while the faceserver was from an own goal.
He said: “After what happened in Angola, it is understandable for fans to be frustrated with us.
“But we are still the same players who brought happiness to the fans in previous matches. So, they should have trust in us.
“I know some of the players are young and may have little experience playing away against big teams such as Egypt. But as senior players, we are doing our best to lift their spirits .”
Mbulu said he is now fully fit and ready to lead the team.
Meanwhile, Flames coach Kallisto Pasuwa said he has been working with the players to address the defensive mistakes that cost them against Angola.
“You might have seen me grilling the players on how they allowed those goals to be conceded in Angola,” he said.
“Our focus is to avoid conceding such goals again here and I am happy with the response.”
The Zimbabwean tactician also maintained that Malawi’s qualification hopes remain alive.
Pasuwa now has a full squad at his disposal following the arrival of Adiel Kaduya and Chikumbutso Salima.
