Flames coach Kallisto Pasuwa yesterday named a 25-player squad for the upcoming Cosafa Cup.
The notable new faces in the squad are Japan-based defender Washali Jaziya, Fanizo Wasambo of Ekhaya FC, FCB Nyasa Bullets’ Oscar Petro and Karonga United’s Allen Chijana.
The notable exclusions are Bullets captain Lloyd Aaron and Nickson Mwase.
Football Association of Malawi (FAM) competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the Malawi National Football Team will regroup Sunday for the regional tournament,
He said: “The plan is that TNM Super League teams playing on Saturday will release their players on Sunday.
“Those playing on Sunday will join the squad on Monday. The team is expected to leave for South Africa on Tuesday.”
The Flames are in Group B alongside defending champions Angola’s Palancas Negras, 2015 champions Namibia’s Brace Warriors and 2024 finalists Lesotho’s Likuena.
Their first fixture is against Likuena on June 5 in a repeat of 2023 edition semi-final when they lost 3-0 on post-match penalties.
The Flames’ next fixture will be against the Brave Warriors on June 8 in a repeat of 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier which they lost 1-0 at Bingu National Stadium in March.
They will wrap up their group stage matches with a clash against Angola on June 10.
All matches will be played at Toyota Stadium.
On the other hand, Group A has top seed hosts South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, Mozambique’s Mambas, Mauritius’ Les Dodos and Zimbabwe’s Warriors.
The competition will get underway on June 4 with a fixture between Warriors and Les Dodos at Toyota Stadium.
Group C has first-time guests Morocco alongside Cosafa members Madagascar and E-swatini.
Seven-time champions Zambia’s Chipolopolo will battle Comoros and Botswana in Group D.
The Flames are poised to make a return after missing the last edition of the tournament following the death of Vice-President Saulos Chilima alongside eight others in a military plane crash at Nthungwa in Viphya Plantation, Nkhata Bay on June 10 last year .
Flames assistant coach Peter Mponda in an interview said they are looking forward to the tournament.
“So far, the team is in good shape. If we look at where we’re coming from, we are very happy with the progress which the team is making,” he said.
The group stage will wrap up on June 11 with the winners from the four groups qualifying for the semi-final.
The winner of Malawi’s pool will face the winner of group C which has Morocco, Madagascar and E-swatini.
