Flames class of 2010 has tipped the current squad that with self-belief and determination, they can repeat the 3-0 major upset against the Desert Foxes of Algeria.
The Flames will host the continent’s highest ranked side this Saturday in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Group B qualifier at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
In their opening game at the 2010 Afcon in Angola, the Flames defied their status as outsiders, when they beat Algeria.
In fact, Saturday’s contest will evoke memories of that hugely significant win which cheered the spirits of the nation.
Peter Mponda, who was the on-field leader of the 2010 squad and Esau Kanyenda and current captain Joseph Kamwendo, who were also part of that dream team, said while Algeria are considered to come out triumphant based on the gulf in class and stature, with self-belief, the Flames can still pluck a win from this encounter.
“When we played Algeria about four years ago, they were also among the top-four teams on the continent with quite a number of world-class players, but our secret weapon was determination.
“The current team’s progress is promising and it is blending well. What remains now is to work on their psychology so that they can develop self-belief. Belief, brings in confidence and this, in turn, nurtures success,” said Mponda.
Kanyenda said the current squad can draw a lot of inspiration from that win.
“When we took to the pitch, we did not fear our opponents. We just went out there to fight every inch of the way, we gave out something extra knowing that we were up against a side that was better than us and in the end, we came out of it bruised, but triumphant.
“It’s good that the captain is Joseph, he is someone who has a big heart just like Peter and is able to lift the spirits of his troops. I have noted that our biggest weakness now, is loss of concentration in dying minutes and if the coaches can work on that coupled with a good game plan and firmness, we can carry the day,” said Kanyenda.
Kamwendo said the Algeria game could play a vital role in determining Flames’ destiny.
“I have been drumming into the players that they should not fear the name, but have the courage. I have been telling them that we did it in 2010 and they can also draw inspiration from that win and fight their lungs out against Algeria.
“In 2010, it was not about a supernatural performance from us, but a determination to win and a free spirit to fight every inch of the way,” said Kamwendo.
Apart from Kamwendo, inspirational midfielder Robert Ng’ambi and defender James Sangala are the other remaining members from the 2010 team.
South Africa-based defender Limbikani Mzava, one of the most promising players of the current generation, said the Flames are now in good shape and can cause an upset on Saturday.
“There are still some loopholes here and there, but generally, the team is taking shape and the game against Algeria provides us the right platform to prove that we have matured,” said the Bloemfontein Celtic defender.
Flames deputy coach Jack Chamangwana said apart from drawing inspiration from the class of 2010, the current Flames need to realise that it is such games that can help them make a name in world football.
“We need to advise them that it will be 11 against 11. That there is no need to panic, no need to be overwhelmed by fear,” said Chamangwana.
He also said they have found clippings of Algeria’s recent 2015 Afcon games which will help them analyse their strengths and weaknesses and find the right approach for the game.
“Through FAM, we want to get hold of DVDs for Algeria’s both games against Ethiopia and Mali so that we can start studying them together with the players from next week, especially their away game against Ethiopia, but we are mindful that the approach might not necessarily be the same,” said Chamangwana.
“We know there are weaknesses that have been spotted such as lapse in concentration, especially in the dying minutes and at times poor defending, but we are working on that,” said Chamangwana.
Since the 3-0 upset, the Flames have not played against Algeria.
The Desert Foxes top Group B with six points having won both their games while Mali are on second.
