FLAMES SET FOR COTONOU BATTLE

Flames say despite the absence of four key players they are determined to defy the odds and come out of Stade de L’Amite in Cotonou, Benin bruised but triumphant this evening.
The match kicks off at 5pm local time and it will be broadcast live on MBC Radio 2.
Malawi will be without defender Limbikani Mzava, midfielder Robert Ng’ambi and strikers Frank Mhango and Atusaye Nyondo, but other key members of the squad—Joseph Kamwendo and Chiukepo Msowoya will be available.
Kamwendo, a battle-hardened midfielder, who has been a key member of the squad for almost a decade, said other than induce fear, the absence of the quartet will buoy the Flames to give out something extra for the cause of their motherland and make a name for themselves as well.
“It’s difficult playing such a tough game without four or five key players. We are playing a good team at their own backyard, but we take comfort that there is no pressure.

 
“The match provides the players that are coming through a chance to prove that they merit Flames consideration. There’s a lot of hunger and optimism,” said the Congo DR-based midfielder who plays for TP Mazembe.
Chiukepo, who is tipped to feature as a lone striker, said the fact that the odds are tipped against the Flames could be a blessing as they will not be under any pressure.
“The crucial thing is that we should not allow them to settle down and if we do that then they will be under pressure and that, in turn, could give us an advantage,” said Chiukepo, who scored in his return match against Mozambique’s Mambas on July 6 in an international friendly match that ended one-all.
Apparently, coach Young Chimodzi also said he is not losing his sleep over the absence of his key men.
“Other than cry over spilt milk, the focus should be on motivating those that we have to fight their lungs out,” said Chimodzi from Cotonou on Thursday.

 
He also said while Benin are a tougher opposition compared to Chad, they can be contained.
“They have good players, some of whom play in European top leagues, but the focus should be on our game plan other than worry about the strength of the opposition because we hardly know them,” said Chimodzi.
He is expected to use the 4-5-1 formation with McDonald Harawa, who has only two caps, tipped to get the nod ahead of Richard Chipuwa between the posts while experienced James Sangala, Harry Nyirenda, Lucky Malata (C), John Lanjesi and Francis Mulimbika will man the defence. Kamwendo, Chimango Kayira, Ndaziona Chatsalira and Robin Ngalande will integrate play in midfield.
Ngalande is expected to feature as a defending midfielder just behind Msowoya.

 
Benin are coached by a French mentor Didier Olle-Nicolle who has not lost since he took charge of the Squirrels this year and guided them to back-to-back 2-0 margin wins over Sao Tome and Principe in the second preliminary round of the campaign. n