BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi National Football Team coach Kalisto Pasuwa has set his sights on a winning start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after unveiling a 26-member squad that blends local talent with foreign based stars.
The Flames will begin their Group H campaign against Namibia on September 4 in Francistown, Botswana a neutral venue selected due to stadium standard issues in Namibia before returning home to host Liberia at Bingu National Stadium on September 8.
Pasuwa has turned to US-based players Mayele Malango and Henry Kumwenda to add creativity and attacking options in midfield.
The coach also recalled Charles Petro and introduced young talents like Washali Jaziya and Lloyd Aaron, signaling his intent to build a versatile squad capable of adapting to different opponents.
In defense, Mighty Wanderers’ Emmanuel Nyirenda joins a backline anchored by Denis Chembezi and Gomezgani Chirwa. Upfront, Pasuwa has kept faith in experienced campaigners Frank Gabadinho Mhango, Chawanangwa Kaonga, and Richard Mbulu, while also banking on the pace of Lanjesi Nkhoma and Patrick Mwaungulu to trouble defenses.
Notably missing from the squad are Silver Strikers’ defender Nickson Mwase and forward Gaddie Chirwa, whose recent form has been under scrutiny.
Speaking during the squad announcement, Pasuwa expressed optimism about the Flames’ chances.
“We have assembled a competitive group of players, and I believe they have what it takes to get maximum points in these two games. The team is in high spirits, and our focus is on starting the qualifiers strongly,”he said.
Full Flames Squad with goalkeepers like William Thole, George Chikooka, Joshua Waka
Defenders are Nickson Nyasulu, Denis Chembezi, Maxwell Paipi, Emmanuel Nyirenda, Charles Petro, Gomezgani Chirwa, MacDonald Lameck, Alick Lungu, Washali Jaziya
Midfielders are Yankho Singo, Blessings Singini, Lloyd Aaron, Lloyd Njaliwa, Robert Saizi, Patrick Mwaungulu, Chikumbutso Salima, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Mayele Malango, Wisdom Mpinganjira
Forwards are Chawanangwa Kaonga, Frank Gabadinho Mhango, Richard Mbulu, Henry Kumwenda