tonightMzava, Mponda upbeat on Flames
Flames captain Limbikani Mzava and former skipper Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda have said with the right approach and attitude, it is possible for the Flames to get a positive result against Egypt in Cairo tonight.
The Pharaohs of Egypt host the Flames at Air Defence Stadium in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier.
Mzava, who is unattached after being released by South African DStv Premiership side AmaZulu last year, and the FCB
Nyasa Bullets assistant coach said in separate interviews yesterday that while the odds are tipped in Egypt’s favour, it is no guarantee that they will win.
Mzava, who is not part of the squad, said: “Of course, the scales are tipped in Egypt’s favour because they are one of the giants on the continent, coupled with home ground advantage.
“But that eases pressure on us as we are the underdogs.“The Flames just need to have self-belief and fight from start to finish.”He said it is in such big games that players make a name.
“This is the time to stand up and be counted. They need to play as if they are possessed and not give respect to the likes of [Mohammad] Salah, but take them head on,” said Mzava.
He also urged Malawians to support their team by sending messages of encouragement.
The 30-year-old Flames on-field leader last played for Malawi at the Afcon finals in Cameroon last year where he got injured in the second game against Zimbabwe’s Warriors.
On his part, Mponda, who was the captain the last time Malawi beat Egypt 1-0 at home in 2008, said: “It’s a difficult away game, we need to keep the ball, but I am afraid that’s not the Flames style at the moment. If we keep giving possession away, we will be in trouble because we can’t defend for 90-plus minutes against Egypt in Cairo.
“We have pace going forward in Gaba [Frank Gabadinho Mhango] and Khuda [Myaba], we can get something on the break and also we can’t play an open game in Cairo.
“Defensively we have to be strong. Lastly we need to take the chances we will have. Otherwise, we can get a positive result as long as our approach is good and the guys stay focused and fight all the way.”
The match kicks off 9pm local time. All the four teams in Group D have three points each, but Ethiopia’s Walyas top the group, courtesy of a better goal difference followed by the Flames.
Guinea’s SyliNationale are third while Egypt anchor the group.
