Malawi national football team coach Kalisto Pasuwa has expressed confidence in his squad’s preparations ahead of their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Namibia and Liberia.
Speaking ahead of the fixtures, Pasuwa praised the hard work and determination shown during the training camp, noting that both experienced players and newcomers are eager to deliver for the nation.
“We have been working hard, and the players are showing commitment and readiness to represent Malawi,” he said, highlighting the positive atmosphere in camp and the integration of fresh talent.
According to the coach, the younger players bring much-needed energy that will be crucial in the tough away fixture against Namibia on Friday and the home clash with Liberia on Monday.
All foreign-based Flames players, including star striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango, Richard Mbulu, Charles Petro, Lloyd Njaliwa, Chawanangwa Kaonga, Dennis Chembezi, Mayele Malango, William Thole and Robert Saizi, have joined the squad, ensuring full strength for the upcoming games.
Malawi will travel to Botswana on Wednesday, where Namibia will host them at a neutral venue due to stadium requirements set by CAF and FIFA. The team will return home on Saturday to prepare for their second match at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The Flames’ qualification campaign has been mixed. They are currently fourth in Group H with six points from six matches. Earlier in the qualifiers, Malawi recorded a 3-1 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe but later suffered defeats, including a 2-0 loss to Tunisia and a 1-0 setback against Namibia in March 2025. A narrow 1-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea in June 2024 further dented their progress.
Group H is led by Tunisia with 16 points, followed by Namibia on 12, Liberia with 10, Malawi on 6, Equatorial Guinea with 3, and São Tomé and Príncipe yet to register a point.
With two crucial games ahead, Pasuwa remains hopeful that a strong performance could revive Malawi’s hopes of staying in contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
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