Rachael Kaphaizi
The Malawi National Football team coach Kalisto Pasuwa has warned his charges against underestimating South Sudan ahead of today’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match at Bingu National Stadium.
Pasuwa said the Flames must approach the opening qualifier with the right mentality despite South Sudan being regarded as the lower ranked side in the group.
He said teams considered underdogs can be dangerous, recalling Malawi’s defeat to Sao Tomé and Príncipe after the opposition had been widely regarded as an easier opponent.
“We need to work with our minds. Everyone must not take it to say they are a lowly ranked team. These are one of the teams that can give us problems in this group“, said Pasuwa.
The coach said Malawi will aim to play offensively but must remain cautious because South Sudan has some players capable of hurting them on counter attacks.
“We need to be offensive, but as much as you want to attack, we also need to be very careful because these guys are very good on counter attacks“, he said.
Pasuwa also confirmed that striker Richard Mbulu and Jorden Kananga are major doubts for the match due to injuries.
Mbulu is carrying a groin injury while Kananga has an ankle sprain and other injury concerns. Adie Kaduya meanwhile, has recovered after illness and will be assessed with the rest of the squad.
The coach said most of the players in camp are ready for selection, although some late arrivals have limited the time available to work on combinations.
Pasuwa also acknowledged Malawi’s struggles in front of goal saying scoring requires both mentality and technique.
He said the team has been working on attacking movements and encouraging players to take chances when opportunities arise.
Malawi will be hoping to start their AFCON qualifying campaign with a positive result when they face South Sudan at Bingu National Stadium.
Head to Head
South Sudan 0-1 Malawi
Malawi 1-0 South Sudan
South Sudan 2-0 Malawi
Last Five matches for Malawi:
Ethiopia 1-1 Malawi
Ethiopia 1-0 Malawi
Botswana 1-0 Malawi
Zambia (U23) 0 [9-8] 0 Malawi
Lesotho 0-1 Malawi
Last Five Games for Sudan:
South Sudan 0-1 Djibouti
Djibouti 0-4 South Sudan
Syria 2-0 South Sudan
South Sudan 0-0 Togo
South Sudan 0-5 Senegal
