Gaba, others dropped for Guinea match

Flames interim coach Patrick Mabedi has  left out some regular foreign-based players for Saturday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Guinea at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

According to the final list released by the Football Association of Malawi yesterday, revitalised South Africa-based forward Frank Gabadinho Mhango, defender Charles Petro, who is based in Europe, Mozambique-based Yamikani Chester, Khuda Muyaba, who has just started a new lease of life in Syria and blossoming Zambia-based forward Chikondi Mphasi are the notable casualties from the list of foreign legion for the final qualifier, which will be of academic interest as Malawi are already out of contention for a slot at the continental showpiece.

Other notable exclusions are Mozambique-based Chikoti Chirwa and Gerald Phiri Jnr, who recently parted ways with Sudan giants Al Hilal.

Instead, the Flames gaffer has called four foreign-based players, namely, goalkeeper Brightone Munthali who is based in South Africa, Zambia-based Chawanangwa Kaonga and Mozambique-based duo of captain John ‘CJ’ Banda and Richard Mbulu.

Mabedi, who has maintained a predominantly youthful squad, was not available for comment last evening.

In an interview yesterday,  Mhango, who appears to have regained form since joining Moroka Swallows from AmaZulu, played down his exclusion.

He said: “I am not bitter at all. National team selection is at the discretion of the coach and we have to respect his decision.

“I believe a coach calls players that can suit his plans at that particular moment and we can only wish the team well.”

Muyaba could not be reached for comment, but he appeared to take a dig at the coach for dropping Mighty Mukuru Wanderers goalkeeper William Thole through a Facebook post, when he wrote: “Zokondera basi, William Thole ma clean sheet 10 koma osamutenga. Muzachoka. Panali ma coach anzanu nawo anachoka. [This selection is biased. How do you leave out William Thole who has 10 clean sheets? There were other coaches before you. You will leave just like they did].”

The Flames, who anchor Group D with four points from five matches, will host the Syli Nationale at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.