The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has announced the commencement of preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Malawi National Football Team, known as the Flames, will enter their training camp today, focusing on the crucial matches against Liberia and Tunisia next month.
Gomezgani Zakazaka, Director of Competitions and Communications at FAM, revealed that a total of 16 local-based players have been called up for the initial phase of training.
Here is the complete squad for the first week:
Goalkeepers: Innocent Nyasulu (Wakawaka Tigers FC), Austin Chirambo (FCB Nyasa Bullets Reserve)
Defenders: Mark Lameck (Blue Eagles FC), Dannie Chimbalanga (MAFCO), Josephy Balakasi (Dedza Dynamos), Alex Kambilinya (Wakawaka Tigers FC), Chimwemwe Nkhoma (Mayamiko Stars), Yamikani Mologeni (Bangwe All Stars)
Midfielders: Robert Gomez Saizi (Bangwe All Stars), Chrispin Mapemba (FCB Nyasa Bullets Reserve), Chifundo Ngonjera (Chisomo Academy), Boniface Juma (Moyale Barracks), Bennie Manyozo (Wakawaka Tigers), Gabinho Daudi (Karonga United)
Strikers: Olson Kanjira (Kamuzu Barracks), Mwisho Youngson (Karonga United)
Zakazaka explained that during the initial phase of training, players will be allowed to join their respective clubs for selected practice sessions.
"The technical panel will work with the players for three days, from Monday to Wednesday, and then release them for their club assignments. This process will continue for two weeks, with players reporting back to camp during the final week before traveling to Liberia," Zakazaka stated. He further added that players with crucial club engagements will join the camp at a later stage once their club commitments are completed.
Malawi is set to face Liberia in their opening Group H fixture on Friday, November 17th, followed by a home game against Tunisia at the UnlimBotu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Tuesday, November 21st.
The Flames aim to make a strong start in their FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, and with dedicated training and strategic planning, they aspire to secure positive results in these vital matches.
