Flames captain  John Banda says they aim to start the team’s new era under coach Kalisto Pasuwa with a bang by winning their remaining two 2025 AFCON qualifiers starting with Burundi this afternoon.

Malawi are out of contention  for a place at the continental finals to be staged in Morocco next year, but Banda said there is a lot to play for in the remaining games starting today when they face Burundi away at Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast and on Monday against Burkina Faso at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

FAM has appointed a new panel led by Pasuwa and assisted by Peter Mponda and Prichard Mwansa following the team’s failure to collect a point in the four games played this far in group L.

Banda said they are on double mission to restore the team’s pride as well as get revenge against Burundi who beat them 3-2 at home in the opening match of the campaign.

“ We have a new technical panel with a new mission to revive the team and we can only start that journey with positive results. We have not done well in this campaign. Probably one of our worst outing as we sit bottom of the table with no point from four matches and out of contention for a place at Afcon.

“ Burundi embarrassed us at home and we can only apologize to Malawians for that painful moment by winning this return match and indeed the Burkina Faso match.

“ It will be a little tough as we have not had much time to prepare. But we are professionals and must act like ones in this situation. So, all in all we are ready for the assignment as we aim to redeem ourselves but again, we want to use this platform to prepare for future matches as we have World cup qualifiers coming in few months,” said Banda.

Pasuwa has recalled strikers Richard Mbulu, Gabadinho Mhango and defender Charles Petro who have not played any match in the campaign and Banda said their presence has given the team a boost as they are seasoned campaigners.

The coach said in his pre match interview that he is looking forward to use the matches to build a team that will compete on the international stage.

“ So far so good, the boys are eager  to represent their country and with the right attitude we will get a result. We have been talking to them to show that hunger to die for their country and redeem themselves.

“ We are on a rebuilding exercise and for one to build a good house you need good foundation.   So as coaches we want to play a good match and win so that  as we are rebuilding this team there is motivation from both ends to continue doing well.

“ We are playing away but remember it is away to everyone . These guys are not playing at home, and it means its neutral to everyone and I hope its going to be an open game to everyone,” said Pasuwa.

In other group L match Burkina Faso will host Senegal in Mali in a fight for top position in the group in Mali.