Ng’ambi doubtful for Comoros game

Flames coach Ronny van Geneugden (RVG) has cast doubt on the availability of South Africa-based midfielder Robert Ng’ambi for Saturday’s Group B 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against the Comoros.

Speaking during a press briefing after yesterday’s morning training session at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, RVG said the seasoned midfielder has to attend to his wife who survived a car accident on Monday.

“Family is very important and we understand why Robert has to fly back. He has to be close to his wife. He is doubtful for the game and we respect his decision. It is important that he should be with his wife,” said the coach who was flanked by his backroom staff.

RVG has since expressed satisfaction with the way the players are grasping his football philosophy during training.

 He said the development could translate into success in Saturday’s match.

“We are moving away from power play style of football. I have instilled in the players a passing game, building from the back using full backs and developing play into wings.

“We want to put the ball down always and from the sessions we have had, I am happy that the players are responding positively. It was sad that during the Madagascar game, the players did not put into practice what we taught them during training,” he said.

He also described the  mood in camp as positive.

RVG also said players are not being imposed on him and that selection is being done purely on merit.

“I don’t know, maybe with the past coaches, but since I came here no one has imposed players on me. We do the identification and selection as a technical team,” he said.

Meanwhile, forward John Banda and goalkeeper Charles Swini arrived in the country yesterday from Mozambique to join the squad. Banda  said he was excited to be back in the squad.

“I hope I can contribute towards the team’s success. It is always an honour to be called for national duty,” he said. n