Mali friendly in limbo

Flames’ hopes of securing an international friendly match against Mali are hanging by the thread as the West Africans are set to play South Africa’s National First Division (NFD) side Jomo Cosmos next Tuesday.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) were courting Mali for a friendly match this weekend in preparation for next weekend’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations decisive qualifier against Ghana’s Black Stars.

Cosmos spokesperson, Lucky Mhlathe, confirmed from Johannesburg on Tuesday that his side will play Mali next week.

“I cannot speak on behalf of Mali FA, but what I know is that they will be camping in Johannesburg as they prepare for their Afcon qualifier against Botswana.

“We have made arrangements for a build-up match on Tuesday before they [Mali] proceed to Gaborone,” said Mhlathe.

However, FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda said they were still in touch with their Malian counterparts.

“The fact that Mali are arranging a build-up match against Cosmos does not stop us from pursuing the friendly match.

“We are still talking to them, but it will also depend on funding from government,” said Nyirenda.