Flames Set for Crucial World Cup Qualifier Against Liberia at BNS This Aftrenoon

The Malawi national football team, the Flames, are geared up to face Liberia in a decisive FIFA World Cup qualifier at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) today, with head coach Kalisto Pasuwa expressing both confidence and caution as Group H enters its final stages.

Malawi heads into the clash fresh from a 2-1 morale-boosting victory over Namibia and currently sits fifth in the group with nine points, just one behind both Liberia and Equatorial Guinea. Tunisia tops the table with 19 points, followed by Namibia on 12. With only two matches to play after today, every point is now crucial in the Flames’ qualification push.

Pasuwa revealed that the team had a productive training session yesterday, with particular focus on players who didn’t feature in the Namibia game. He confirmed that Yankho Singo is ruled out due to illness, while Chikumbutso Salima remains a doubt.

The coach urged his players not to underestimate Liberia, warning against complacency. “This isn’t the time for experiments; we need results. We lost to Namibia in the first leg but bounced back away. That shows what can happen if we take things lightly,” Pasuwa stressed.

On the team’s finishing struggles, Pasuwa called for more composure and patience in front of goal, admitting rushed decisions had cost Malawi vital opportunities. Still, he expressed optimism in the squad’s progress despite limited preparation time between fixtures.

He also spoke of the need to balance youth and experience, highlighting the impact of debutant Malango Mayele and hinting at more game time for youngster Henry Kumwenda in upcoming fixtures.

Defensively, Pasuwa admitted the Flames remain vulnerable to crosses and counter-attacks, urging his team to stay compact both offensively and defensively.

Pasuwa reserved special praise for veteran striker Frank Gabadinho Mhango, whose stunning long-range strike sealed the win over Namibia. “That’s the instinct we want quick decisions, awareness, and bravery in front of goal. The younger players must learn from that,” he said.

Kick-off is scheduled for this afternoon at Bingu National Stadium, where the Flames will look to keep their World Cup dream alive.