The Flames are set to wrap up their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying campaign in North Africa with hopes of securing a positive result against São Tomé and Príncipe.
Head Coach Kalisto Pasuwa’s charges held their final training session at the Stade Olympique de Sousse in Tunisia’s resort city, where their island opponents have chosen to host the fixture. With favourable weather conditions expected, Malawi will look to take the game to their opponents in search of crucial goals that could influence the final Group H standings.
The Flames boast a full squad determined to deliver all three points — a result that could see Malawi climb to second place if Namibia and Liberia drop points in their final matches.
Malawi’s attacking department has been boosted by the inclusion of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets striker Babatunde Adepoju, who recently completed his nationality switch.
Although captain Gabadinho Mhango, who has travelled with the squad, is suspended for the match, the frontline remains strong, led by US-based Malango Mayere, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Chawanangwa Kaonga, and Richard Mbulu, all tasked with delivering goals for the Flames.
In midfield and defence, Pasuwa’s men carry both experience and balance. The central defensive partnership of Charles Petro and Dennis Chembezi has been solid since Pasuwa took over from Patrick Mabedi, while Lloyd Aaron, Lloyd Njaliwa, and Yankho Singo are expected to control the tempo in midfield.
On the wings, Wisedinho Mpinganjira and Lanjesi Nkhoma are set to provide pace and width, although Patrick Mwaungulu misses out after falling ill while in transit.
In goal, Pasuwa has three options — William Thole, George Chikooka, and new inclusion Joshua Waka — signalling his intent to leave nothing to chance.
While São Tomé have endured a difficult campaign, including a 3–1 loss to Malawi in the reverse fixture and a 6–0 defeat to Tunisia, Pasuwa has warned his side against complacency.
“Yes, they have been conceding a lot, but if we are to take advantage of their weaknesses, we must execute our plan correctly and take our chances,” he said.
Speaking after the final training session, the coach also emphasized the importance of mental strength and discipline:
“This is a game we must approach with the right mentality. It won’t be easy, especially after their 6-0 loss to Tunisia. We are not here to underestimate them — that’s why we’ve worked on attitude and psychological readiness.”
With their World Cup dream mathematically out of reach, the Flames’ focus now turns to finishing the qualifiers on a high note, improving their FIFA ranking, and building momentum for upcoming AFCON and CHAN qualifiers.
