Mponda, Kanyenda, Russell Left Out of Malawi Squad Against Ghana

Malawi coach Kinnah Phiri has left out injury-plagued captain Peter ‘Mjojo’ Mponda in his squad for the crucial 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ghana.

The coach has also excluded experienced strikers Russel Mwafulirwa and Esau Kanyenda.

Mponda, considered one of the best defenders the southern African country has ever produced, has not been picked in the 10-man list of foreign based stars released by Football Association of Malawi (FAM) on Monday.

The defender who has served his country for over 14 years and plays for Santos in South Africa, suffered a knee injury and doctors recommended that he should stay out of action until November this year.

Mponda, who was captain when the Flames qualified for the 2010 Afcon after 26 years, is also considering retiring from international football.

He, however, said he remains a “big supporter of the Flames,” according to the media.

Malawi squad will travel on to Accra for the September 8, 2012 crucial qualifier match.

The Flames, who are already in training camp, are scheduled to be in Liberia from 3-5 September, 2012 before playing that country’s national team on September, 4, 2012 at Samuel Doue Sports Complex.

In the squad, the selected players include Mozambican based goalkeeper Simplex Nthara. Angolan based defender James ‘Shareholder’ Sangala, Limbikani ‘Pupa’ Mzava, Moses ‘Luba’ Chavula and Harry Nyirenda have been left with the mantle to marshal the defence.