DON’T give up, Mabedi urged
Football pundits have advised Flames coach Patrick Mabedi not to give up on 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification despite the odds being stacked against the Malawi National Football Team after defeats to Burundi and Burkina Faso.
The Flames now switch their attention to back-to-back qualifiers against the highly rated Senegal’s Lions of Teranga on October 7 and 15.
Former Flames coach Kinnah Phiri, who led the team to Afcon 2010 in Angola, said in an interview yesterday that while chances of qualifying are a tall order, it is not over yet.
He said: “We are just three weeks from the first match against Senegal and the best time to start planning is now.
“He shouldn’t give up hope because there are still 12 points to fight for. You only give up when your situation is completely hopeless.”
The Flames’ all-time leading scorer also urged Mabedi to consider recalling some experienced players, including Frank Gabadinho Mhango.
“Games against teams like Senegal are not for trying players. You go for the tried and tested,” he said.
On his part, football analyst Charles Nyirenda said while qualification looks a far-fetched dream, the Flames still have slim chances.
“But it will really take something special and judging by the way the West Africans rolled over Burundi last week at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, my take is that we have a huge task ahead of us.
“If indeed the coach wishes to put up a fight against Senegal, he has no choice, but to recall some of our tried and tested heavies from abroad. I have in mind Gabadhino.
“Then Richard Mbulu himself. Go to Mozambique today and you will be told that the combination between him and Chester is the most deadly in their top-flight league.
“Otherwise, the bulk of the players in the squad from our local league aren’t yet at a level where we can say that by themselves they are capable of handling a team full of top class European based players. “
On preparations for Senegal in an interview yesterday, Mabedi said: “I have to sit down with the technical director and FAM technical subcommittee chairperson so that we can plan together.”
Veteran coach Yasin Osman said while the Flames’ chances “are very slim”, they still have a lot to fight for.
He said: “They are still in contention and, therefore, they have every reason to fight on.
“But at that level, he needs to go for more experienced players that can stand the heat and less up-and-coming players unless, of course, if they are exceptionally good.”
The Flames anchor the four team Group L with no point from two matches while leaders Burkina Faso and second-placed Senegal have four points each. Burundi are third with three points.
Malawi lost to Burundi 3-2 at home before going down 3-1 to the Stallions of Burkina Faso away in Bamako, Mali.
