Flames caretaker coach Eddington Ng’onamo and his backroom staff on Tuesday declared that today’s 2014 World Cup qualification showdown against Namibia’s Brave Warriors slated for Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre is a must-win adventure.
“We have asked the boys to sweat blood for their country because victory will pile up pressure on Nigeria regardless of their result against Kenya,” said Ng’onamo.
The Flames are joint top of Group F with the Super Eagles, who, however, have a better goal difference.
There were no usual smiles on Ng’onamo, his deputies Ernest Mtawali and Patrick Mabedi and on-field leader Joseph ‘Shakira’ Kamwendo’s faces in the countdown to the battle, but perhaps that was a message of how the Flames are raring to turn on the magic with an awesome attacking show.
Ng’onamo said they have worked on their shortfalls such as inability to cut crosses and cohension in attack.
He expressed satisfaction with players’ level of fitness and admitted that it will not be easy to come up with a starting line-up from the 22 players that have been selected.
Mtawali chipped in: “You will note that we have included more strikers because we are playing at home and the approach will be to attack while being cautious at the back.”
Kamwendo stocked the flames ahead of the showdown by declaring that they will win.
“Of course, we are aware that it is not going to be easy, but we are prepared to fight every inch of the way,” he said.
FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda has since said Angola-based defender James Sangala, who is still held up in the former Portuguese domain due to a visa process, is expected to jet in at noon today.
Ng’onamo said they will have to weigh the situation to determine whether Sangala should be included in the starting line-up.
But Mabedi was quick to quash fears from the media on his fitness, saying: “He is a professional and its not the first time that a player will be flying in on the day of the game. He knows how to handle the situation.”
Meanwhile, Namibia coach Roger Palmgren has said despite the absence of some of their key players, they will still fight for a positive result.
In a brief telephone interview from the team’s camping site—Sunbird Mount Soche—Palmgren said: “It is always tough playing away, but this is an important game for us if we are to revive our hopes in this campaign.”
Among their influential players present are Thailand-based Lazarus Kaimbi and Tangeni Shipahu.
The Flames have hosted Namibia four times and lost all encounters.
The full squad is as follows: Goalkeepers: Owen Chaima and Charles Swini; Defenders: Moses Chavula, Harry Nyirenda, Sangala, Limbikani Mzava, Lucky Malata and Bongani Kaipa; Midfielders: Robert Ng’ambi, Kamwendo Fischer Kondowe, Frank Banda, Chimango Kayira, Micium Mhone, Young Chimodzi Jnr, Dave Banda and Douglas Chirambo; Strikers: Esau Kanyenda, Robin Ngalande, Atusaye Nyondo, Gastin Simkonda and Chiukepo Msowoya.
