The Flames begin their FIFA World Cup Qatar second round qualifiers away to Cameroun this evening and vice-captain John Banda believes they can get a result in Younde if they stay focused for the whole 90 minutes.
Banda is one of the eight players in the current squad who started in Malawi’s last match against Cameroun in Yaoundé on October 12, 2018 in a 2019 AFCON qualifier which Flames lost 1-0.
The Flames put a brave performance restricting the hosts to few openings with the first half ending 0-0. They held on for the opening 15 minutes of the second half before Germany-based forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting beat goalkeeper Charles Swini in the 61st minute.
Banda said if they had not lost concentration, they would have won the game.
“It was a great goal that was even nominated for CAF awards. But it came as a result of poor concentration. We had matched them for 60 minutes but they capitalised on our mistake. If we keep disciplined for the entire match as we did in the first half on that afternoon then we can get a result in Younde,” said Banda.
Flames coach Meck Mwase said his charges are ready for the encounter as the look forward to start the campaign on a positive note.
“Everything is looking good. The players are in good shape. The morale is high.”
“We expect a very tough game, knowing that we are playing away. But I can assure you that we are ready for the game. The boys are ready,” said.
Flames Line Up against Cameroon ( 4-5-1)
First XI: Ernest Kakhobwe; Dennis Chembezi, Limbikani Mzava, Charles Petro, Stanley Sanudi; Yamikani Chester, John Banda, Tawonga Chimodzi, Gerald Phiri Jnr, Peter Banda; Richard Mbulu
Substitutes: Richard Chipuwa, Brighton Munthali, Peter Cholopi, Nixon Nyasulu, Gomezgani Chirwa, Chimwemwe Idana, Mike Mkwate,Chikoti Chirwa, Gabadinho Mhango, Vincent Nyangulu, Khuda Muyaba, Francisco Madinga.
