Flames Aiming to Progress Past Cosafa Cup Group Stage

Malawi is targeting to put a good show during the 2019 Council of Southern Africa Football Association –Cosafa Cup that will be held in South Africa from May 25 to June 8.

The Flames have been pooled against Mozambique, Namibia and Seychelles. Captain John Lanjesi is aware of the threat the trio pose and says the Flames can make it to the group stages after three successive failed attempts.

“It is disappointing that we could not make it past the group stages in the past three editions.”

“But I believe that going by our performance in recent games, especially against Morocco and Cameroon, we have the potential to cast that spell,” said Lanjesi.

The Nyasa Bullets defender acknowledged that it will not be easy as the Flames are aware of the threat that the trio pose.

‘It will also depend on our commitment and self-belief,” Lanjesi added.

Malawi will play in the tournament under interim coach Meke Mwase who took charge of the side a month ago after the dismissal of Belgian coach Ronny Van Geneugden. The new gaffer has described the group as fair and tricky at the same time.

“Tricky in the sense that at times, we have struggled against teams like Mozambique and Namibia. So, on paper, it might look fair, but realistically it could be tough as well,” Mwase said.

Meke Mwase will be assisted by Lovemore Fazili with Bob Mpinganjira as a fitness trainer. Swadick Sanudi and James Sangala are the Flames goalkeeper trainer and team manager.

The Group B winners will qualify for the quarter-finals to face Zambia’s Chipolopolo. Group A has Angola, e-Swatini, Comoros and Mauritius.