The Flames have been drawn in Group C together with Rwanda, Zanzibar and Eritrea at the 2012 Confederation of East and Central Africa Football Associations(Cecafa) Senior Challenge Cup.
The hosts Uganda are in Group A with Ethiopia, Kenya and South Sudan in what could be fit to be the group of death at the tournament.
Sudan, Tanzania, Burundi and Somalia are in Group B
Fam generai secretary Suzgo Nyirenda described Malawi’s group as fair.
“It’s not as tough as the other groups. The only team Malawi should be careful with is Rwanda. The others Zanzibar and Eritrea are beatable,” he said.
Malawi are the only invited guest at the tournament and they replaced Djibouti who pulled out of the competition last week.
Cecafa general secretary Nicholas Musonye insisted the council opted for Malawi ahead of Cameroon, who had also shown interest in taking part, because Malawi is closer to the borders than the Indomitable Lions.
Meanwhile, the Flames were expected to start camp Tuesday in preparation for the tournament after failing to assemble on Sunday.
Coach Kinnah Phiri has called a 25 member squad which has both experienced and up and coming players.
He has called in veterans Dave Banda, Moses Chavula, Chiukepo Msowoya and Joseph Kamwendo.
Also in the squad are the usual Cecafa campaigners who include Gastin Simkonda, Chimango Kayira, Frank Banda, Charles Swini, Foster Namwera, Bongani Kaipa, Francis Mulimbika, Steve Chagoma, Pilirani Makupe, John Lanjesi and Ndaziona Chatsalira.
New comers in the Cecafa team are Brighton Ngwenyama, Gabadihno Mhango, Micium Mhone and Moses Nankumba.
The tournament will take place between November 24 and December 8 and the hosts Uganda are the defending champions.
