The Malawi National Men’s Football Team’s resilience faces a stern test tonight when the Flames line up against Egypt in a 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group B qualifier at Cairo International Stadium.
After suffering a 3-1 defeat to Angola in their previous group match, Flames coach Kalisto Pasuwa hopes his charges will produce a disciplined performance against the North African giants in the first of back-to-back ties.
He believes his players are physically ready for the challenge, having worked on correcting the defensive weaknesses exposed in Angola.
“We saw the boys are very fit and I think most of them are ready to go. Fitness levels are very high,” said Pasuwa.
The coach identified defending crosses and poor transition play as key areas that needed improvement, warning that his players must be more organised when possession is lost.
“Remember, we were conceding through crosses and we thought we should address it. Also, in transition, most times when we are attacking and lose the ball, we are very slow in winning it back.
“We need to play with structure when we lose the ball. If we are playing with blocks, we need to be winning those balls back in order for us not to concede goals,” said Pasuwa.
However, the coach expressed concern that players continue making mistakes despite receiving tactical instructions and repeated warnings.
Pasuwa challenged his charges to appreciate the responsibility of representing the country, saying they must understand that their performance affects millions of Malawians.
“I have been preaching that everyone should know that we are here to represent Malawi. None is playing for himself but the country.
“We need to know that the moment we get into the field of play, there are millions of people waiting for results.
“Some players are young and learning, but they cannot be learning every day. They have had enough of learning and it is now time to deliver glory,” he said.
Pasuwa has plenty of talent at his disposal following the arrival of all foreign based players he called.
Adiel Kaduya, Chikumbutso Salima, Mwisho Mhango, Nickson Nyasulu, Washali Jaziya, McDonald Lameck, Lloyd Njaliwa, Gomezgani Chirwa, Richard Mbulu, Babatunde Adepoju, Francisco Madinga, Patrick Mwaungulu, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Charles Petro and Wisdom Mpinganjira are all in.
Stand-in captain Mbulu has also urged Malawians to remain optimistic, promising that the players are ready to fight for victory.
The striker, whose crucial goal against Uganda in the 2022 Afcon qualifiers helped Malawi secure qualification for the Cameroon finals, said the squad understands the significance of the encounter.
“Everyone is aware of the importance of this match. We know what we are supposed to do. 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,” he said.
Egypt, meanwhile, will be looking to make the most of home advantage under new coach Ali Maher, who replaced dismissed Hossam Hassan.
The Pharaohs will be led by former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah alongside Hamza Abdelkarim, Haitham Hassan, Ibrahim Adel and Mohamed Abdelmonem.
Maher has described Salah as central to Egypt’s ambitions but insists the responsibility rests with the entire squad.
“Salah is the greatest thing that has happened to Egyptian football.
“The whole team is in a great place. The atmosphere is excellent and the players are coming in eager to give their best.
“Everyone is focused, everyone has character, everyone is well prepared and everyone has an impact. They are all influential players and very talented,” he said.
Egypt and Angola are tied on four points, with the Pharaohs leading Group B on goal difference. Malawi are third on three points, while South Sudan are bottom without a point.
The Flames opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over South Sudan at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe but were brought down to earth by Angola, conceding three goals, after falling behind just two minutes into the match.
