The Malawi Beach Soccer National team coach Willy Kumilambe says his charges are set for this maiden Afcon Qualifier match against Tanzania at Sunbird Livingstonia Beach in Salima.

Kumilambe said even though the team has recently struggled against Tanzania at the COPA Dar el Salaam, the boys have worked hard and are geared to use the home ground advantage

 “The team is prepared and all the boys are ready for the match. We have no injuries so far. They are a sister country and we have been playing alot of games with them so we know how they play.

“We have been underdogs against them but this a different stage, it’s an Afcon Qualifier and we want to qualify so we will do everything possible especially using the home ground advantage to win the first leg,” said Kumilambe. 

Tanzanian team, Head Coach  Boniphace Pawasa said  they expect a tough game against Malawi because it’s a good side.

“We have been playing Malawi at the Copa Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and I respect them because they are a good side though we have most of the times been winners.

“However, this is not a tournament, it’s a qualifier where one of us is expected to progress so as a team, we are expecting a tough match yes but we are hoping to win come tomorrow,” he said.

Malawi Tanzania last met at the 2019 Copa Dar es Salaam Beach Soccer Tournament  where Tanzani won 6-5.

Tanzania will on August 7 host Malawi in Dar es Salaam in the second leg and the aggregate winner will qualify for the 2022 Beach Soccer Afcon finals which will be hosted by Mozambique.