By Twink Gadama
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi football fans were left shocked and disappointed as Moroka Swallows striker Gabadinho Mhango was omitted from the final squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Sao Tome and Equatorial Guinea.
Despite his impressive performances in the DStv Premiership, Mhango has found himself on the sidelines for the crucial matches ahead.
Mhango has been in fine form for Moroka Swallows this season, scoring vital goals for the team and establishing himself as one of the top strikers in the league.
His absence in the Malawi National Team squad has raised eyebrows among fans and football pundits alike, with many questioning the decision made by Flames coach Patrick Mabedi.
Mabedi cited tactical reasons for dropping Mhango from the squad, noting that he wanted to try out different attacking options in the upcoming qualifiers.
While Mhango has been a key player for the Flames in recent years, Mabedi felt that it was time to explore other options and give other players a chance to prove themselves on the international stage.
The decision to drop Mhango has divided opinion among Malawi fans, with some supporting Mabedi’s choice to shake things up in the squad and others expressing their disappointment at the exclusion of a player in such fine form.
Mhango himself has remained silent on the matter, choosing to focus on his club commitments with Moroka Swallows.
Mhango’s omission from the squad has left a void in the Malawi National Team attack, with fans wondering how the Flames will fare without their star striker leading the line.
However, Mabedi remains confident in the players he has selected for the upcoming qualifiers, expressing his belief that the team has what it takes to secure positive results in the matches against Sao Tome and Equatorial Guinea.
Despite the controversy surrounding Mhango’s exclusion, Mabedi is standing by his decision and is hopeful that the team will deliver strong performances in the World Cup qualifiers.
The Flames have been working hard in training to prepare for the matches ahead, with Mabedi emphasizing the importance of teamwork and unity in the squad.