Malawi National Football Team launches its 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification campaign against South Sudan’s Bright Stars this afternoon in Group B at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe.
Coach Kallisto Pasuwa is under pressure to deliver a positive start.
The Zimbabwean tactician’s record since taking charge of the Flames in November 2024 is seven wins, five draws and eight defeats from 20 matches.
With the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) having set qualification for the 2027 Afcon to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, his primary target when he was handed a two-year contract, today’s opener carries added significance for the gaffer.
Pasuwa, who has an opportunity to make a strong start at home, has promised an attacking approach, but warned his charges against being exposed on the counterattack by South Sudan.
“We are hoping for the best. In these games, we are playing with the mind. What are regarded as small teams are always dangerous. We need to be focused.
“We need to be offensive but we need to be careful because we can be caught on counterattacks. We need to move in defensive positions and create space,” said the coach yesterday during a press conference at BNS.
The Flames have also been hit by injuries ahead of the Group B encounter with Mozambique-based UD Songo forward Richard Mbulu and midfielder Jorden Kananga, who plays for Zacatepec FC of Mexico, all ruled out due to injuries.
“We did some medicals to assess who is fit. Richard Mbulu [has a] groin injury, then Jorden Kananga [has an] ankle sprain. Adiel Kaduya was sick, but today he seems okay. So, Mbulu and Kananga will not be part of the team,” said Pasuwa.
However, the coach said this will not affect the team’s game plan
“Overall, most of the guys are ready and eager to play,” said Pasuwa.
On his part, stand-in captain Charles Petro said the players now need to execute the coach’s plans.
“The coach has done everything. Now it is about us to play our part. It’s a crucial game and we need to be focused,” he said.
However, South Sudan coach Seseko N’sengi-Biembe is equally confident of a positive result in his first match in charge.
“We are happy to be here. This is my first game as head coach. Preparations have not been easy because the league was ongoing.
“But that is not an excuse. We want to win this game. We are in progression but we are here to get a good result,” said the Congolese tactician.
N’sengi-Biembe acknowledged that his side are regarded as underdogs, but said that could work in their favour.
“We are going to adapt. I trust in the quality of the players. Despite being a low-ranked team in the group, we are not under pressure.
“There are no big or small teams in football. We have seen that at the World Cup. The fact that we are viewed as underdogs will motivate us to play better,” he said.
South Sudan captain Peter Maker, who faced Malawi in the 2021 Afcon qualifiers which the Flames won 2-0 on aggregate, also believes the Bright Stars can upset the Flames.
“The last time we faced Malawi was at Kamuzu Stadium [in Blantyre]. We had a very good game despite losing 1-0 away and at home. This is a new team and we are ready to get a good result.
“I think this time we are good as we have good players. No one is underrating the other. These days there is no lower team. Whoever needs it more wins,” he said.
After hosting South Sudan, the Flames head to Angola on October 6.
