By Edwin Mbewe

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi National Football Team skipper John CJ Banda who plays his professional football with UD Songo in Mozambique has commended the inclusion of new blood in the squad ahead of AFCON Qualifier against Ethiopia.

Banda says, it’s a dream of every player to play for the national team hence as senior players they will make sure to jelly and coordinate well with the newcomers.

“Let me thank FAM for the trip and for organising a friendly against Mozambique before we face Ethiopia in a crucial AFCON match. We know we have disappointed for so long and we will make sure to put things in order and get the positive results. Let me congratulate new players in the squad and as senior players we will encourage them”, Banda said.

Among the new faces in the squad are; goalkeeper Innocent Nyasulu, Chikumbutso Salima, Lloyd Banega Aaron, Robert Saizi and Chifundo Mphansi while ZANACO FC forward Chawanangwa Kaonga and Richard Mbulu have returned to the squad after missing for sometime.

The Flames play Mozambique today in Maputo in a friendly match before facing Ethiopia in a group D Ivory Coast Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on 20th June 2023.

Malawi are on position three in the group with 3 points from 4 games.