The Flames have said they are prepared to fight their lungs out when they face Guinea’s Syli Nationale on Tuesday in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Group L qualifier at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
It will be the Flames’ first match in the second round of the qualifiers having held Guinea to a goalless draw away in Conakry last Friday.
The Flames, who have two points from three matches, face a win-or-bust task if they are to remain in contention to qualify for Gabon 2017.
Coach Ernest Mtawali and captain Limbikani ‘Pupa’ Mzava said they are aware of the awful expectation from the fans.
“There are no two ways, this is a must win game and we are prepared to fight from start to finish,” said Mtawali.
He also urged the fans to come in large numbers to cheer their team and create an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors.
“The approach will be different from the first leg because we will be playing at home and the emphasis will be to attack and take the game to the Guineans,” he said.
Mzava said this is a game the Flames cannot afford to lose.
“If we are to remain in contention, then this is the game we must win at all cost and we are determined to get a positive result on Tuesday. The morale in camp is sky-high and we are set for the showdown,” said Mzava.
The Flames returned from Guinea on Sunday through Chileka International Airport and went straight into camp at Chiwembe Technical Centre in Blantyre.
They had a normal training session in the afternoon after a two-hour rest and trained at the match venue on Monday morning.
Meanwhile, the Guineans were expected to jet in later on Monday after camping in France’s capital Paris for a day.
Their coach Luis Fernandes said he is expecting an improved performance in the return leg.