Flames captain Limbikani Pupa Mzava says the team will fight for nothing short of a convincing win when they face Swaziland in a 2017 Afcon qualifier on Sunday at the Kamuzu Stadium.
Mzava said they owe Malawians to ensure that the team finish the qualifiers with at least a win.
Flames lost both homes matches in the qualifiers against Guinea in March and Zimbabwe in June last year while managing draws in Swaziland and Guinea before losing 3-0 away in Zimbabwe in their last game in June.
Mzava said at a press conference on Thursday morning in Blantyre that the fans have endured a lot of emotional pain and the team must pay back on Sunday.
“Fans have supported as a lot but we have let them down. The two matches we lost at home were unacceptable and we are sorry. But the better way to apologies is to win on Sunday. It’s not just about winning but a comprehensive win.
“The FA has done everything possible to assemble and offer us all necessities to do well on Sunday. So we urge fans to come in large numbers to support us .We will not disappoint,” said the Golden Arrows defender.
Long serving midfielder Robert Ng’ambi who is back in the team after missing the last match against Zimbabwe, said Flames still have a lot to fight for despite being out of contention for place at the Afcon final next year.
“We may be out but we have a lot at stake here. Pride for mother Malawi but also rankings for the Flames. We are taking this game very seriously and we will deliver,” said Ng’ambi.
Coach Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan said the players have blended well following the arrival of foreign based players on Monday and he will have no excuses on Sunday.
“I am satisfied with the level of fitness of all the players, the attitude and performance has been impressive. We still have a day to work on tactis but I must say that I will not have excuses if we lose because I have everything at my disposal and things are looking good,” said Ramadhan.
According to FAM General secretary Suzgo Nyirenda , a 30 man Swaziland delegation will arrive in the country on Friday afternoon.