BLANTYRE(MaraviPost)—Malawi national soccer team left the country Tuesday night for Mali where they are expected to play the country’s football team in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Group B match fixtured this coming Saturday.
But the game started off the field on Wednesday as the hosts created unfriendly atmosphere for the Flames by giving the Young Chimodzi’s boys pitiable reception.
According to the Flames leader of delegation to the West African nation, David Dube, the team was accommodated in a substandard hotel with worn-out beds and mattresses and poor washrooms.
Dube said they advised the players not allow their minds be disturbed with the poor reception but rather approach Saturday’s game with a positive mind.
Local players met a contingent of foreign based players in Kenya, according to Dube.
These professional players Robert Ng’ambi, Chimango Kayira, Joseph Kamwendo, Limbikani Mzava, Harry Nyirenda, Gabadihno Mhango, Atusaye Nyondo and Chiukepo Msowoya.
While local players who have travelled to Mali are Richard Chipuwa, Mac Donald Harawa, Francis Mlimbika, Yamikani Fodya, Bashir Maunde, Lucky Malata, John Lanjesi, Philip Masiye, Young Chimodzi Jr and Ndaziona Chatsalira.
“We expect nothing short of total victory. We have advised the players to focus on Saturday’s game with a positive mind,” said Dube.
Group B has also Ethiopia and Algeria
He claimed the team refused to lodge at the Olympe hotel and opted to camp at the Lobby.
“We camped at the Lobby after our training on Wednesday,” Dube told Zodiak Online.
“We have asked the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to formally complain to Confederation of African Football (CAF),” he added.
CAF rules stipulate that the hosts take care of visiting teams.
In the latest qualifiers, top two teams from each group will qualify for the finals in Morocco.
Earlier, the Deputy Flames coach said they were targeting minimum of draws when playing away in Mali, Algeria and Ethiopia.
