Tight schedule for Flames

The Flames have a tight schedule this year, culminating in playing six matches in June alone.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka said according to a calendar released by Confederation of African Football (CAF), the Flames will play four 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers between June 1 and 14.

“Then between June 24 and 26 they will play their 2023 [Chan]  Africa Nations Championship first-round first leg with the second leg being played between July 1 and 3,” he said.

Zakazaka said should the Flames proceed to the second round in Chan qualifiers, they will play their second round first leg between July 22 and 24.

“And should they still sail through, then they will play the third round first leg between July 29 and 31 and the second leg between August 26 and 28,” he said.

Before the continental tournaments, there is also a Fifa calendar between March 21 and 29 which FAM plans to arrange a preparatory friendly match.

The crammed diary does not include the Cosafa Cup which is usually played between June and July.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said it’s going to be an intense period for the Flames as such, there will be need for a big squad.

He said: “We’ll need to have a squad that has a lot of depth to cover up for fatigue, injuries and loss of form.

“Whoever [the coach] will be in charge will need to cast his net wider.”

Draws for both Afcon and Chan group stage qualifiers have not yet been conducted.