Chiukepo, Banda, Nthala recalled

Revitalised forward Chiukepo Msowoya, forgotten goalkeeper Simplex Nthala and midfield workhorse Dave Banda are part of the 25-member Flames squad named by caretaker coach Ernest Mtawali for the July 6 friendly match against Uganda Cranes.

The Flames will host the Cranes at Kamuzu Stadium in the match as part of the country’s 51st Independence Anniversary Celebrations.

Also recalled are Big Bullets defender Sankhani Mkandawire, Blue Eagles midfielder Phillip Masiye and Silver Strikers forward Green Harawa.

According to the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda, the squad is expected to go into camp tomorrow at Chiwembe Technical Centre in Blantyre

Mtawali has also included six members of his Under-20 squad which failed to qualify for the Africa Youth Championship at the last hurdle. These are goalkeeper Brightone Munthali, defenders Boston Kabango,  and Stanely Sanudi, midfielders Dalitso Sailesi Isaac Kaliati and Ernest Tambe.

The notable new faces in the squad include Azam Tigers blossoming defender Peter Cholopi and exciting midfielder Yamikani Chester.

“I believe this match could also help prepare for our next Afcon qualifier against Swaziland in September; hence, the squad includes three groups of players—established players who have regained form, those that have shown a lot of promise and, of course, those that were part of the recent team.

“We only have a week to identify the first 11 and substitutes, but we will use the best of the time available,” said Mtawali who will be assisted by Gerald Phiri.

The squad includes two Mozambique-based players, namely Nthala and Zicco Mkanda.

Others are Richard Chipuwa, McDonald Harawa, Yamikani Fodya, Francis Mlimbika, John Lanjesi, Lucky Malata, John Banda, Fischer Kondowe and Deus Nkutu.

Team manager is Chance Gondwe, Swadick Sanudi is goalkeeper trainer while Lesison Mwale is the team doctor. n