Gaba injury scare, Ng’ambi still doubtful
Flames talismanic striker Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango is crawling back to match fitness after picking a knock in South Africa.
This is nine days before the trip to Benin.
As if that is not enough source of panic ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) second round, first leg, midfield ace Robert Ng’ambi is also yet to resume full training at Platinum Stars.
Mhango’s club Bloemfontein Celtic team manager John Maduka confirmed yesterday that the striker has since returned to full training.
“He was rested for a few days and he is getting better. He has responded well to treatment. It is not something serious, but it is true that he had to stay out a few days,” Maduka explained in a telephone interview.
Celtic chief supporter Pule Mabelo, whose group nicknamed Mhango as ‘Remember My Promise’, also confirmed the striker’s knock.
With the Flames yet to win on the road under coach Young Chimodzi, Mhango’s fitness is crucial to the match in Benin.
Flames deputy coach Jack Chamangwana was yesterday unaware of Mhango’s injury.
Mhango’s two goals in 2-0 beating of Chad laid the platform for progression to the second round even after a 3-1 away loss in Chad on May 31 when Robin Ngalande scored the consolation.
Meanwhile, Ng’ambi, who local analysts feel could make the Flames front line tick with his wonderful creative play, doubted his availability for the Benin trip. He missed both legs against Chad due to the knee injury.
“I can only jog with difficulties and much pain. Platinum Stars leave for pre-season games in Botswana tomorrow and I do not know if I will make the trip. Looking at the time factor, I really do not know if I can recover for the Benin game,” said the award-winning midfielder.
Chamangwana confirmed that Ng’ambi only resumed light training two days ago, but fell short of saying whether he will be named in the Benin bound squad which Chimodzi will unveil today.
The Flames need to win over two legs against Benin to join Group A of Mali, Algeria and Ethiopia where the two top sides are guaranteed a place at the 2015 Afcon finals in Morocco alongside third best loser across all groups.
