Striket Esau Kanyenda has returned to the Malawi sqaud to face the Black Stars
Experienced striker Esau Kanyenda has been recalled to the Malawi squad as they seek to overcome a 2-0 deficit against Ghana next month and qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kanyenda, 35, who last played for the Flames in a friendly against a China under-23 side in May, is the surprise inclusion in the 34-man squad.
There is also a return for fellow-forward Chiukepo Msowoya.
He missed the trip to Ghana as he readjusted to life in Malawi after being released by South African club Orlando Pirates.
Malawi coach, Kinnah Phiri says he has recalled the two strikers to add firepower to his front line with the hope of upsetting the odds against the Black Stars.
“There is a need for the team to be hungry for goals,” he said.
“We also need to look at the fact that we will be playing at home and need goals to qualify, that is why I have decided to recall our prominent strikers.”
The pair are short of match action but Phiri insists they will be ready for the second leg, which takes place in Lilongwe on 13 October.
Phiri denied that the return of the two strikers was an act of desperation. He said: “It is something that we should have done earlier but because the players were moving up and down in search for teams, that is why they were sidelined in recent games.
“I did not discard them completely but I was giving them a chance to settle down.”
Notable absentees from the squad are defenders James Sangala and Limbikani Mzava, who are suspended for the second leg.
Defender Forster Namwera does return, though, having been banned for the first leg.
Despite being 2-0 down to one of the continent’s strongest sides, Phiri remains hopeful that his team can spring a surprise.
He said: “I have seen teams come from three goals down in the first half to level and even win.
“In football you can score two goals in two minutes. That’s the reason we are not losing hope.”
Malawi squad to face Ghana
Goalkeepers: Simplex Nthala (Clube Vilanculus, Mozambique), Owen Chaima (Big Bullets), Richard Chipuwa (Mighty Wanderers), Charles Swini (Escom United).
Defenders: Forster Namwera (Mighty Wanderers), Steve Chagoma (Blue Eagles), Moses Chavula (unattached), Pilira Makupe (Civo United), John Lanjesi (Civo United), George Nyirenda (Big Bullets), Francis Mulimbika (Mighty Wanderers), Bongani Kaipa (Mighty Wanderers), Harry Nyirenda (Black Leopards).
Midfielders: Joseph Kamwendo (Mighty Wanderers), Davie Banda (Red Lions), Chimango Kayira (Big Bullets), Ndaziona Chatsalira (Silver Strikers), Peter Pindani (Silver Strikers), Patrick Gunde (Civo United), Patrick Masanjala (Civo United), Frank Banda (Silver Strikers), Robert Ng’ambi (Platinum Stars, South Africa), Misium Mhone (Blue Eagles), Douglas Chirambo (Big Bullets).
Strikers: Frank Gabadini Mhango (Big Bullets), Green Harawa (Silver Strikers), Ishmael Thindwa (Epac FC), Chiukepo Msowoya (Escom United), Rodrick Gonani (Silver Strikers), Peter Wadabwa (Thanda Royal Zulu, South Africa), Robin Ngalande (Bidvest Wits, South Africa), Atusaye Nyondo (Supersport United, South Africa), Esau Kanyenda (Polokwane United, South Africa), Zicco Mkanda (Deportivo Malcumana, Mozambique).
Soo much hope,I like the Malaweians coach,he believe he can beat Ghana but I’m sorry for him.He may win but will not qualify.
So these are the best players Malawi are bringing? …..Apuuutoorrrr! We are going to teach them a lesson in football come October.
They can go and bring in Missi
What is a “crack” squad. Use proper English!
I like their team spirit!
Loool dis coach paaa…malawi is not da kinda team to overturn thngs against gh..i hope they gt hungry fo goals we hv sharpr players now more dan eva to rely on counter attacker.
this coach is seriously joking
GSN,
Since when did Malawi become a team that Ghana should be sweating against? I know there are no more small teams in football, but please Ghana is not in any kind of trouble against Malawi.
I have realized that no matter which team Ghana is to play, GSN will be bringing these “fake” quotes and making it look like Ghana couldn’t possibly survice from that team. Bogus journalism!!!! Trying to create some forced tension where it does not exist.
A 34 man squad for a single qualifier?
Im sure you will take 100 players to the tournament if you qualify.
On a more serious note, its good to have ambitions and to dream big but certainly not against the Black Stars.You and your sympathisers will be disappointed
Even the greatest of african superpowers in terms of football are gripped with fear at the mention of the name GHANA.
The Likes of CIV,Senegal,Egypt,NIgeria,Cameroon,Algeria, Morocco,Tunisia, Mali and Guinea will always wish to avoid Ghana at any stage in any competition because the probability of their elimination is nearly one.
Now Malawi thinks they are of age so they can rub shoulders with the big boys. Fortunately you will be out to play an all attacking game. The consequences are obvious
Akwesi Appiah need to bring in some of our expired players too,Tony bafoe,Abedi Pele. I dont think any team in Africa at this momment can overturn two goals deficit and qualify at the expence of Ghana Black Stars, and if it should happen then its not Malawi. This return match is no game for Ghana and if Akwesi Appiah fails to qualify then he is out even though i support him 100%.
The game will certainly open up more and that’s where we will punish them…
R THEY FOOTBALLERS OR PLUMBERS…
ei ghana fuo (not u man) u people dey luv dey brag too much. Ei, ivory coast afraid of gh? Rly? we’re way over our heads here, taking into consideration we’re at an all tym low since 2004, we’re not even a team now, running about like headless chickens, absolutely no midfield play, a sector we prided our selves in, in the past. But yes i do believe we’ll qualify, but maybe we just might get beaten, 3% chance though.
i dont know what phiri haad seen about the blackstars in recent years but the problem is how to stop a willing energetic young ghanaian midfield. Remmember, lilongwe is natural grass and we scored one in the sun even though we played less better in the first half. Phiri would cluch his prick if he should concede first.