Flames coach Ernest ‘Wire’ Mtawali has released a 20-member final squad for Sunday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe’s Warriors as well as the Cosafa Castle Cup to be staged in Namibia.
The only surprise exclusion is Mozambique-based forward Schumacher Kuwali.
Goalkeeper Charles Swini returns to the squad after almost a year. Ironically the last time he made an appearance for the Flames, was at the Cosafa Cup in South Africa.
Strikers Peter Wadabwa and Muhammad Sulumba also return to the squad after a while.
The only uncapped players in the squad are Nyasa Big Bullets goalminder Ernest Kakhobwe and Be Forward Wanderers midfielder Rafique Namwera.
“I have belief in the squad that I have chosen and I am optimistic that we will do well both in Zimbabwe and Namibia,” said Mtawali.
The Flames are scheduled to fly out to Harare from Blantyre on Friday.
The squad will be led by Football Association of Malawi (FAM) executive member Daud Ntanthiko.
After the Zimbabwe game, the squad will proceed to Namibia on Monday where they will play a strength-testing match against the Brave Warriors on Wednesday before the regional showpiece rolls into life next Saturday.
Following is the full squad:
Goalkeepers:
1. Charles Swini
2. Ernest Kakhobwe
Defenders:
3. Stanley Sanudi
4. Francis Mulimbika
5. Yamikani Fodya
6. Pilirani Zonda
7. John Lanjesi
8. Miracle Gabeya
9. Harry Nyirenda
Midfielders:
10. Joseph Kamwendo
11. Miciam Mhone
12. Wonderful Jereman
13. John Banda
14. Gerald Jnr Phiri
15. Dalitso Sailesi
16. Rafick Namwera
Strikers:
17. Chiukepo Msowoya
18. Muhammad Sulumba
19. Peter Wadabwa
20. Gabadinho Frank Hellings Mhango