Kinnah’s hint relieves Zicco

Mozambique-based towering striker Zicco Mkanda is relieved that Flames coach Kinnah Phiri has hinted at considering him for next month’s return leg against Ghana.

“It is great knowing that the coach has not forgotten me. I felt bad to be dropped after being in the squad during the trip to Kenya and when we hosted Nigeria and Chad,” said the Liga Maculmana forward.

He was, in a telephone interview from Maputo, reacting to Kinnah’s remarks after a 2-0 beating by Ghana in the first leg of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying round on Saturday.

“It is like we started a project that we did not finish. I believe I need to be given a chance in the team as I am performing at club level. I play either wide or upfront,” said Mkanda.

With a blunt striking force, Kinnah told The Nation after the Ghana game, that he might ring the changes for the return leg on the weekend of October 8.

“The return leg is a must-win for us, therefore, we will have to call some players such as Zicco Mkanda to beef-up the attack,” said Kinnah.

The Flames need a three-goal margin win if they are to advance to the next round of qualification for the Nations Cup finals in South Africa. Mkanda and Sankhani Nyirenda are among forgotten Flames players.