Malawi national football team coach Meke Mwase has dropped veteran striker Chiukepo Msowoya in the 34-man provisional squad released to start camping today at Mpira Village for Cosafa Cup.
The Bullets striker was dropped with Khuda Muyaba and Gastin Simkonda—his striking partners for the e-Swatini (formerly Swaziland) Africa Cup of Nations Championship (Chan) games in which Malawi lost on away goal rule.
The Flames held e-Swatini to a goalless draw away and settled for a one-all draw at Kamuzu Stadium.
The dropping of the three strikers comes after the coach complained that players should be committed to score goals.
The former Flames captain has also called five professionals to bolster his squad as he seeks to redeem himself after the team was ousted in the Chan competition.
In a statement, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) said the final 20-man squad will leave on Thursday for the tournament scheduled for May 26 to June 8 in Durban, South Africa.
Meanwhile five professional players have been called despite FAM announcing that the Under-23 will represent Malawi as part of rebuilding exercise.
Flame team manager James Sangala said professional players have been included to inspire the up-and-coming players.
“Although we have included professionals and some experienced players, the majority of the team is Under-23 players,” he said
Flames are in group B alongside Mozambique, Namibia and Seychelles.
The following is the squad:
Goal keepers, Brighton Munthal, Charles Thomu- (Silver Strikers), Rabson Chiyenda, Ernest Kakhobwe (Nyasa Big Bullets)
Defenders; John Charles Petro, Gomezaani Chirwa. Precious Sambani, John Lanjesi (Nyasa Big Bullets)
Stanley Sanudi. Peter Cholopi, Dennis Chembezi, (Be Forward Wanderers), Trever Kalema, Mark Fodya, Haji Wali (Silver Strikers)
Midfielders; Mike Mkwate, Chimwemwe Idana, Peter Banda (Nyasa Big Bullets, Chikoti Chirwa (Kamuzu Barracks, Gregory Nachipo, (Blue Eagles), Dancun Nyoni (Silver Strikers) Isaac Kaliyati, (Be Forward Wanderers), John Banda (UD Songo (Mozambique) Micium Mhone, Schummacher Kuwali (Blue Eagles)
Gerald Phiri Jnr (Ajax Cape Town South Africa)
Strikers; Hassan Kajoke, Patrick Phiri (Nyasa Big Bullets)
Stain Davie (TN Stars), Chikayiko Batson (Tigers), Richard Mbulu (CD Costa do Sol, Mozambique), Foster Said, Blue Eagles, Raphael Phiri (Civil), Chawanangwa Kaonga. .(CD Costa do Sol, Mozambique), Gabadinho Mhango (Bidvest Wits, South Africa).
