Scorchers inspire Pasuwa’s Flames

Malawi’s recent success on the continental stage has given Kalisto Pasuwa something to believe in as he prepares the Flames for a fresh Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) challenge.

The Flames coach says the Scorchers’ impressive showing at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has demonstrated the potential of Malawian football and given his technical panel confidence ahead of the continental campaign.

Speaking after announcing his provisional 31-man squad at Chiwembe in Blantyre on Monday, Pasuwa said the Scorchers’ performance had provided encouragement for the Flames.

He said the technical panel had spent the past month monitoring players abroad and collecting data on each player under consideration, except for physical visits to those based in Europe.

Pasuwa said European-based players were monitored through video footage and their match minutes, adding that assessment would continue during the team’s training camp.

On discipline, Pasuwa said the players had been made aware of the standards of behaviour expected of them and the privilege of representing the national flag.

Pasuwa has handed maiden call-ups to six players as he looks to build a squad capable of competing in the qualifiers.

The new faces are Blessings Kanowa of Nankatsu SC in Japan, Jorden Kananga of Zacatepec FC in Mexico, Wales-based Shaquille Gwengwe of Newport County, Adiel Kaduya of Mustangs University, and locally based Peter Ng’ambi and Ajussa Kalowa.

William Thole, George Chikooka and Precious Masamba have been named in the goalkeeping department.

The squad comprises eight defenders, 10 midfielders and 10 forwards.

The Flames will host South Sudan at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on 26 September before travelling to Angola for their Group B match on 6 October.

Egypt is the other team in Group B.