Flames itch to scorch Mambas

Flames coach Mario Marinica says his charges are set for this afternoon’s 2023 Africa Nations Championship (Chan) first leg final qualifier against Mozambique at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe despite some challenges.

He said it will be crucial to get a result today and have a spring in their step ahead of the return leg in Maputo next weekend.

“The players are working really hard and we have monitored the opponents and we are looking forward to getting something from this match,” said the coach

Marinica said having 14 players that were in the squad that competed at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon in January  provides a boost.

The Flames gaffer also said the Mambas have a very good side.

“It is a very good passing team just like Ethiopia. So, we know that at that level we can have a good performance provided we execute our game plan to perfection based on our strategy. So, I think our chances are pretty good.”

He, however reiterated that Malawians should not have too much expectations.

Said Marinica: “I keep on saying to Malawians that don’t have expectations. Expectation is a road to disappointment because even if you achieve something you don’t have  joy because you expected it. All the time you keep wanting more and sometimes you might not  achieve it and you become more disappointed.

“So, I am looking at us working very hard on the pitch, to be focused and create chances and to be compact when we don’t have the ball. If we do that, we’ll get a win

On the challenges, Marinica said  they didn’t have an opportunity to get a real feel of the match venue.

“For whatever reasons, we kept on being delayed to get the feel of the pitch as a home team. At first they said the pitch was not ready, next day we were told that it is not marked. Yesterday [Wednesday], they applied some chemicals.

“So, we have been in Lilongwe for almost a week, but we haven’t had a chance to train on the pitch as we would have wanted.”

He also said the threat by some teams  to withdraw their players affected the preparations as he was not sure which players would remain in camp.

Flames captain Stanley Sanudi said they are geared for the match.

He said: “I urge Malawians to come in large numbers and cheer us on. We are ready for the game and we will not disappoint them.

“Mozambique are a good side, we have been watching their video clips and we know what to expect from them.”

The Mambas coach Chiquinho Conde said they expect a tough encounter against Malawi.

He was quoted by Goal.Com as having said: “We have played them several times before and the games are always close.

“However, playing at home gives them an advantage and we have to be on guard.”

The Flames will bank their hopes in the likes of  Chimwemwe Idana, Micium Mhone, Schumacher Kuwali, Stein Davie, Chiukepo Msowoya and Yamikani Chester while the visitors will look up to their key forward Pachoio Lau Ha King, Melque Alexandre and Stelio Ernesto.

Malawi sailed into the final round of the qualifiers without kicking a ball after their opponents Zimbabwe’s Warriors were disqualified by the Confederation of African Football for failing to meet conditions set by Fifa while Mozambique booted out Zambia’s Chipolopolo 1-0 on aggregate.

The Flames have never qualified for the biannual continental showpiece since its inception in 2009 which is strictly for local-based players while the Mambas have qualified once in 2016.

The two teams have met 31 times and the Flames have won 10, losing 12 and have drawn nine times.