The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) is set to host 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mozambique at Orlando Stadium in South Africa,
FAM’s decision comes after they were banned by CAF from hosting international matches due to the state of the ban on Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
FAM General Secretary Alfred Gunda said they have earmarked Orlando Stadium as their home ground or their home game against the Mambas.
“This is not what we expected but we have no choice. We should just bite the bullet and be serious with fixing the pitch,” said Gunda in an interview with FAM portal.
“There will be another inspection in September and we have a chance of hosting the remaining matches of the World Cup at BNS once the pitch is well attended to. This is our last chance to redeem ourselves. It is giving us hope that BNS will be back soon.
“On the Mozambique game, as directed by CAF, we have opted for Orlando Stadium and we have since confirmed our booking with the venue owners.”
FAM have been sending signals to the government, which intervened with a massive programme to renovate the Bingu National Stadium, they were hoping to get the match played in Malawi.
The country’s football governing body had appealed to CAF to be allowed to use Bingu National Stadium arguing that the pitch works would have been completed before the match.
“Considering that the matchday is in less than 30 days, CAF is not in a position to delay any further the confirmation of the match venue for the visiting team nor grant an approval based on the current state of the stadium,” reads part of the CAF’s response.
“The selection of the venue, respective date and time of the match, has to be set well in advance. As you know, this has a direct impact on the preparation of match logistics and operations by all the concerned parties.
“Considering the above and due to the urgency of the matter, the stadium ban appeal of FAM is not accepted and the decision in the CAF letter dated 5 August 2021 is upheld, hence your federation will have to select an approved stadium in a country of another CAF Member Association.”
Malawi are in Group D of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers alongside Mozambique, Ivory Coast and Cameroon.
The Flames, who are under tutelage of coach Meck Mwase will begin their campaign away to Cameroon before hosting Mozambique in South Africa.
