Mwase names squad for Ivory Coast matches

Flames coach Meck Mwase has picked his 23- man squad for the back-to-back 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Ivory Coast, next month.

Malawi will host the first leg, on October 8 at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, before the two teams clash again, in Benin, three days later.

Mwase has made two changes to the team that played Cameroun and Mozambique earlier this month.

Defender Nixon Nyasulu has paved way for Nickson Mwase while Bullets midfielder Chimwemwe Idana, who is serving yellow card suspension, has been replaced by Duncain Nyoni.

Mwase said on Tuesday afternoon that he has gone for continuity as there is no time for trial and error.

“We are continuing with the players we had as we have no time to bring in new players into the setup.

“Nyoni is back as we have seen that there is a gap that he can fill . These are important games as they will determine our destiny in the group so we have to get results,” said Mwase.

The local based players will regroup this weekend and will leave for South Africa on Monday.

The Flames are third in Group D with three points from two games following a 2-0 loss to Cameroon and a 1-0 win over Mozambique.

The following is the full squad:

Goalkeepers: Brighton Munthali (Silver Strikers), Richard Chipuwa (Be Forward Wanderers), Ernest Kakhobwe (Nyasa Big Bullets)

Defenders: Stanley Sanudi (Be Forward Wanderers), Peter Cholopi (Be Forward Wanderers), Nickson Mwase (Silver Strikers), Limbikani Mzava (AmaZulu), Dennis Chembezi    (Polokwane City), Charles Petro (Sheriff Tiraspol), Gomezgani Chirwa (Nyasa Big Bullets).

Midfielders: Chikoti Chirwa (Red Lions), Peter Banda (Simba SC), Duncain Nyoni (Simba FC), John Banda (UD Songo) Yamikani Chester (Be Forward Wanderers), Gerald Phiri Jnr (Baroka FC), Tawonga Chimodzi (Silver Strikers), Mike Mkwate (Polokwane FC), Francisco Madinga (FC Dila Gori)

Strikers: Vincent Nyangulu (Be Forward Wanderers) Richard Mbulu (Baroka FC), Gabadinho Mhango (Orlando Pirates), Khuda Muyaba (Polokwane FC)

May 9, 2026

Young Scorchers Exit World Cup Qualifiers Despite Brave Win

Malawi Under-20 Women’s National Team bowed out of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers despite a spirited 2-1...
May 8, 2026

Chombo Rallies Nation Ahead of Nigeria Decider

Malawi Under-20 Women’s National Team head coach Maggie Chombo has called on Malawians to rally behind the Young Scorchers...
May 6, 2026

NBS Bank Increases NDL Sponsorship to K530 Million

NBS Bank has increased its sponsorship for the 2026/27 National Division League (NDL) by 96 percent, raising the package...
May 6, 2026

All National Division Teams Granted Full Licences

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has awarded full club licences to all 12 National Division League (NDL) teams...
May 4, 2026

FAM Courts New Investors Through Sponsorship Workshop

The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has encouraged new investors to consider football as a major investment opportunity. FAM...
May 2, 2026

MATCH REPORT: NIGERIA 2–0 MALAWI

Malawi’s Young Scorchers suffered a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in the first leg of the FIFA U20 Women’s World...