The Flames are expected to face Benin’s Squirrels on Sunday in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final preliminary round first leg without key players defender, Limbikani Mzava, and strikers Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango and Atusaye Nyondo.
This comes after Football Association of Malawi (FAM) yesterday said it has given up on effort to seek the release of Mzava and Mhango from South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Bloemfontein Celtic.
Nyondo cannot make the trip as his passport is with the South African Home Affairs Office for work permit renewal.
The three have been replaced by defenders Pilirani Makupe and Yamikani Fodya; and midfielder Kelvin Hanganda who flew out of the country yesterday morning to link up with the rest of the squad in Nairobi en route to Benin.
“We have given up on the chase to have Mzava and Gaba released because Celtic have stuck to their guns. We are also not making meaningful progress on Nyondo.
“We did not get help from CAF, therefore, in consultation with the coaches, we have decided not to pursue the issues further. The coaches, instead asked for replacements and the players have since left,” said Nyirenda.
Flames coach Young Chimodzi and his deputy Jack Chamangwana played down the absence of the three players.
“We decided that other than remain in a state of suspense over the availability of the three players, we should move on and plan on those that are readily available,” said Chimodzi.
On why they have replaced Nyondo with a defender (Fodya), Chimodzi said: “With the system that we are going to use, we need more defenders and midfielders other than strikers. We already have three strikers [Robin Ngalande, Chiukepo Msowoya and Gastin Simkonda], so, I believe we are covered in that area.”
On the impact of the three players’ absence, coupled with that of midfield maestro Robert Ng’ambi, Chamangwana said: “Of course, these are key players, but we will not miss them that much because we have back up.”
Chamangwana also said defender James Sangala could be considered for selection having impressed during Tuesday’s international friendly match against Uganda’s Cranes.
