TUNIS-(MaraviPost)-Flames head coach Kalisto Pasuwa has urged his players to stay focused and avoid underestimating Sao Tome and Principe as Malawi prepares for their final match in Group H qualifier of the FIFA World Cup preliminary stage in Tunisia on October 13, 2025.
Speaking to journalists after a training session in Tunisia, Pasuwa emphasized that despite beating Sao Tome 3-1 in the first leg at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, the Flames cannot afford to relax in the return match.
“This is not the time to be overconfident. Every match is different and we must approach this game with seriousness and discipline,” said Pasuwa.
The Zimbabwean tactician noted that a win against Sao Tome would significantly boost Malawi’s hopes of advancing to the next phase of the qualifiers, stressing that his squad understands what is at stake.
“The boys know how important this match is. A win will keep our dream alive, and everyone is determined to give their best performance,” he added.
However, the Flames will be without two key players midfielder Patrick Mwaungulu, who has been sidelined by malaria, and striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango, who is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards.
Despite these setbacks, Pasuwa remains optimistic, highlighting the depth and unity within his squad.
He hinted that youngsters like Mayele Malango and Chawanangwa Kaonga could step up to fill the gaps left by the absentees.
“We have talented players ready to take responsibility. Football is about teamwork and everyone knows their role,” Pasuwa remarked confidently.
The Flames, who currently sit on 13 points from nine games, are looking to finish their campaign on a high note. Their form in recent matches has impressed fans, with the team showing better coordination and fighting spirit.
The game, which will be played at the Stade Olympique de Radès in Tunisia, is expected to draw a sizeable crowd of Malawian supporters based in North Africa.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Talisman Hassan Kajoke scored a dramatic late equaliser in the 79th minute as Nyasa Big Bullets shared the spoils of a pulsating 1-1 draw with Ntopwa FC in the Blantyre epic derby on Saturday.
The game played at the Kamuzu Stadium without supporters due to Covid-19 pandemic, saw Ntopwa FC players, who went into the pitch as underdogs, displaying fantastic football from the word go.
Bullets suffered an early blow in the first minute when goalkeeper Rabson Chiyenda was substituted for Richard Chimbamba after sustaining an injury when he saved Hendrix Misinde’s shot for a corner.
In the absence of man of the moment, Peter Banda, who is in Moldova for trials, Bullets Head Coach trusted Patrick Phiri while Ernest Petro who started last week against Kamuzu Barracks was replaced with veteran Chimango Kaira.
However, Ntopwa dominated the proceedings in the first minutes and their hardworking spirit paid them in the 14th minute as brilliant run from Potipher Likoswe caught Miracle Gabeya snoozing in the line of defence and the forward sent a diagonal ball into the box from which Misinde connected to find the back of the net.
Ntopwa made some changes through goalkeeper Richard Mwaila and George Nyirenda who were on the bench last week when they played Karonga United at Chiwembe Stadium.
Ntopwa FC should have doubled their lead when Saizi and Likoswe combined but the latter blasted his effort over the cross bar from the close range.
Bullets suffered another injury blow when Aziz Mwakifuna twisted his leg as he tried to control the ball and he was replaced by Mike Mkwate.
The introduction of Mkwate brought some rhythm into the hosts who were now pressing for an equalizer but defenders of the visitors were equal to the task.
Hassan Kajoke had two quick chances but he was denied by a deflection and a clearance by Chikumbutso Banda when the goalkeeper Mwaila was already beaten in the line of duty.
Meshack Selemani was the latest player to threaten Ntopwa FC but his shot went over the bar after a cross from Precious Sambani.
In the second half, the visitors opted to seat back to defend their goal. This invited more pressure from Bullets as they attacked from all cylinders in search of the much important goal.
The introduction of Zicco Mkanda and MacFallen Mgwira for Gabeya and Phiri increased Bullets’ attacking options but any move from the hosts ended up in the hands of Banda, Lloyd Mugara, Levison Chabwera and Joseph Balakasi who were defending with everything they had.
In the 69th minute, Mkanda was denied by the post in an unbelievable circumstances.
Kajoke’s header was denied by Mwaila but the ball landed straight at Mkanda who was calm before releasing a low drive shot only to be denied by the post.
However, in the 79th minute, a slip-up from Mwaila allowed Selemani to overpower Chabwera who lost possession and in turn, Kajoke capitalized by rounding off the keeper before scoring in an empty net to make it 1-1.
In the last ten minutes, Kajoke was twice denied by Charles Chisale who replaced Mwaila but Mkwate could not capitalize from the rebound as he sent his drive over the bar.
In the additional minutes, Mkanda almost snatched a late winner when a long ball from Gomezgani Chirwa found him unmarked in the six-yard box but the forward only gifted the ball to Chisale and after 90 minutes of play, 1-1 it ended.
The result sees Bullets in position eight with 12 points from seven games whilst Ntopwa FC are seventh with 14 points from nine games.
Elsewhere, Ekwendeni Hammers hammered Chitipa United 3-1at the Karonga Stadium while Civil Sporting Club and Red Lions shared the spoils after a 3-3 stalemate at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe.
Muhammad Sulumba and Lanken Mwale scored for the servants while Chikoti Chirwa, Ronald Pangani and Paul Kansungwi scored for the Zomba based Soldiers.
The result sees Civil Sporting Club dropping to fifth with 16 points from eight games while Red Lions are third with 18 points from nine games.
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—Nyasa Big Bullets will miss the services of their talisman Hassan Kajoke and goalkeeper Ernest Kakhobwe as they take on Moyale Barracks this afternoon at the Kamuzu Stadium.
According to reports reaching Maravi Post sports desk, the two Big Bullets players and two officials namely James Chilapondwa and Chisomo Chikwembani, who are also team manager and welfare manager respectively, are in isolation after showing Covid19 symptoms.
“Two Nyasa Big Bullets players and team officials have been isolated from the rest of the squad after showing symptoms of Covid-19.Hassan Kajoke and Ernest Kakhobwe have been ruled out of the squad that will face Moyale Barracks in the TNM Super League at Kamuzu Stadium on Saturday afternoon,” reads the statement on Nyasa Big Bullets official facebook page.
Both Moyale and Bullets have started the season on a bad note.
Meanwhile, Nyasa Big Bullets Head Coach Kalisto Pasuwa has said his charges must be on top of their game to collect maximum points against struggling Moyale Barracks at Kamuzu Stadium this afternoon.
Bullets are yet to register a win at home this season in two matches after goal-less draw against Blue Eagles and 3-all draw against leaders Red Lions.
This afternoon’s match provides Pasuwa’s troops with a perfect opportunity to get first maximum points at home this season.
Pasuwa, who is aiming for third consecutive title with Bullets, made it clear it was not time to underrate opponents.
“Every team when playing against Bullets they put maximum effort so we must be cautious. Last season, we struggled to beat them but this time we also need to be composed in front of goal,” the Zimbabwean said.
In this encounter, Bullets will be without Ben Manyozo and Peter Banda, Captain John Lanjesi and Chimango Kaira due to injuries.
But Pasuwa has a big squad available for selection this afternoon with the likes of Hassan Kajoke and Chimwemwe Idana hoping to make a mark.
On the part of Moyale, they would be looking for the first win of the season having lost two matches in three opening matches.
Moyale Coach Collins Nkuna believes the players were in right frame of mind ahead of the match.
“This could be a turning point for us. I have seen improvement in the players and I am confident that we will get a positive result,” he said in an interview with Daily Times.
Currently, Bullets are on position eight with five points from four matches whereas Moyale are second from bottom with one point from three matches.
Nkuna has travelled with a strong squad comprising Gastin Simkonda, Lloyd Njaliwa and Boyboy Chima.
In another match today, second placed Ntopwa will host Mafco at Mpira Stadium whereas Lions will face Karonga United at Karonga Ground.
Civil Service United will meet Kamuzu Barracks at Civo Stadium whereas Silver Strikers are away in Mzuzu facing Mzuzu Warriors at Mzuzu Stadium.
Lions top the league standing with 11 points from five matches followed by Ntopwa with nine points from four matches whereas Silver are third with seven points from the same number of matches.
All the games will be watched by supporters following High Court’s ruling restraining the Presidential Committee on Covid-19 from effecting the 100 maximum public gathering restriction.
The High Court in Lilongwe, sitting on Thursday, gave the order after some musicians, namely Skeffa Chimoto, Dan Lufani, William and Ephraim Zonda of Great Angels Choir among others obtained an injunction on the matter.
The injunction calls for an inter-party hearing on December 31.
Sulom Vice General Secretary Zacharia Nyirenda said supporters were free to watch games as the body will abide by the ruling.
“Sulom is a humble and law abiding body so we will respect the court order which gives us freedom to re-unite with our fans,” he said.
The body’s president Tiya Somba Banda also posted similar remarks on social media.
“Kindly note that as a law abiding entity, Sulom will comply with the court order just as we have been complying with other statutory regulations,” Banda posted.
Nyasa Big Bullets coach Calisto Pasuwa has turned down an offer to join Kenyan Premier League giants AFC Leopards.
Leopards were in talks with Pasuwa over a possible move to the club for several weeks, according to The Nation of Kenya.
Pasuwa apparently held discussions with Leopards via Skype, discussing terms, but the talks have stalled.chairperson Dan Shikanda
The Kenyan publication quoted an agent who was behind the deal as having confirmed the collapse of the negotiations.
“We are now looking at other options. Calisto Pasuwa declined the AFC Leopards offer,” said the agent who represents the Kenyan club.
Pasuwa was not available for comment, but his manager Gibson Mahachi and Nyasa Big Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga downplayed fears of losing the coach.
“He has turned down several offers and opted to stay with us. We are aware. Some better offers for that matter. Malawi is his second home,” said Chigoga.
Pasuwa has established himself as one of prominent gaffers in the region after he led Dynamos of Zimbabwe to four consecutive Castle Lager Premier Soccer League titles from 2011 to 2014.
He was later appointed Zimbabwe national team coach, leading the Warriors to the 2017 Gabon Africa Cup of Nations qualification.
Upon return from the Afcon, Pasuwa left the Warriors for the Bullets job and led the People’s Team to two successive TNM Super League championships.
However, the coach insists on signing a year-long contract which keeps Bullets looking over its shoulder on who might be interested in the coach’s services.
Chigoga on Tuesday acknowledged the need for a long-term deal if they are to keep the tactician.
“He opts for one-year contracts. We will tie him down to a longer one after this,” he said.
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