RVG drops captain Mzava

Malawi national football team coach Ronny van Geneugden (RVG) has dropped Flames captain Limbani Mzava for the crucial away African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Comoros on Saturday.

Silver Strikers forward Khuda Muyaba and Blue Eagles captain Micium Mhone, who were recalled for Flames camp after being sidelined for sometime, have also been left out.

There is also no place for professionals Atusaye Nyondo, Robin Ngalande, Robert Ng’ambi while Gabadinho Mhango and Christopher John Banda are suspended for the game for accumulated two yellow cards.

RVG said Mzava, who missed Cameroon games because of injury, has been dropped to give him enough time to recover.

However, the Belgian expatriate also said local defenders impressed against Cameroon in which Malawi lost 0-1 away and drew 0-0 at Kamuzu Stadium.

“We must be honest, in the Cameroon game, our defenders played a very solid game. The players did very well,” he said.

He added: “Mzava was injured, we know also we are going to play at artificial turf and the training will be hard and intensive. We gave him the opportunity to recover.”

Muyaba, who courted controversy after criticising the coach for sidelining him, said the coach’s decision was based on his plan for the game.

“I am not bitter. I wish them all the best. The coach gave me a chance and next time I might be considered to be in the squad for a game,” he said.

Micium also said: “Those who have been selected are equally good to fight for the nation. We wish them well so that they should win.”

Meanwhile, the Under-23 team coach Meke Mwase has also named the squad to face Botswana in the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations away qualifier on November 17.

Flames full squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Brighton Munthali, Charles Swini.

Defeenders: John Lanjesi, Yamikani Fodya, Peter Cholopi, Denis Chembezi Precious Sambani, Stanley Sanudi, Gomegzani Chirwa.

Midfielders: Levison Maganizo, Alfred Manyozo Jnr and Chikoti Chirwa.

Wingers and strikers: Felix Zulu and Yamikani Chester, Chiukepo Msowoya, Patrick Phiri, Gastin Simkonda, Jabulani Linje, Richard Mbulu, Frank Banda.

Under-23 squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Charles Thom, Rabson Chiyenda,

Defenders: Trevor Kalema, Mark Fodya, Charles Petro, Kelvin Kadzinje, Lawrence Chaziya, Kaji Wali,

Midfielders: Chimwemwe Idana Mike Mkwate, Gregory Nachipo, Ben Manyozo, Ernest Tambe, Francis Mkonda,

Wingers and stringer; China Chirwa, Peter Banda, Isaac Kaliati, Laurent Banda, Batison Chikaiko, Hassan Kajoke.