Malawi to play Zambia on Independence day

Malawi will play Zambia in a friendly football match on the independence day July 6th, though the govt has announced there will be no official celebrations this year.

Times of Zambia yesterday reported that Zambia squad comprising mainly local players would play Malawi on July 6 as part of the Independence Celebrations.

The paper quoted Football Association of Zambia spokesperson Erick Mwanza confirming the development.

President Joyce Banda said they had shelved plans to have traditional nationwide celebrations to cut on costs.

Football Association of Malawi general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda confirmed having agreed with their Zambia counterparts on the friendly game.

“We were instructed by government to organise a friendly football match against any team to be played on July 6. We went on to contact Zambia and agreed on the friendly match,” he said.

The general secretary, however, said they would be getting official communication on the matter for the government by the end of the week.

“Right now yes the game has been arranged, but we will have a clear picture by tomorrow [Thursday] or Friday,” he said.

Just like Malawi’s Flames, Zambia’s Chipolopolo are also using the game to prepare for the second round of Africa Cup of Nations.

The draws for the 2013 Afcon final qualifiers, which will be played on September 7-9 and October 12-14, will be held July 1.