Young Chimodzi has named a 26 strong provisional squad for AFCON qualifiers against Algeria

Malawi’s Flames coach Young Chimodzi has named a 26 strong provisional squad for the 11 October double header against Algeria in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Group B qualifiers.

The squad comprises only home based players, with call ups extended to Malawi Under-20 members Miracle Gabeya, Ernest Tambe and Chawanangwa Kawonga.

Mighty Wanderers defender Enock Likoswe and Malumbo Gondwe from Azam Tigers have, for the first time, also been called up for training which started over the weekend.

The Tigers’ striker Bright Munthali is on stand-by. Notable absentee is injured John Banda of Blue Eagles.

Most of the locals will likely be dropped to pave the way for foreign based players who dominate the actual playing squad, including captain Joseph Kamwendo of TP Mazembe in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Other foreign based players are South Africa based Limbikani Mzava, Atusaye Nyondo, Robert Ng’ambi, Frank Mhango, Chimango Kaira and Chiukepo Msowoya (based in Mozambique).

Malawi are third in the group on three points after beating Ethiopia 3-2 a few weeks ago. Algeria lead the group on six points after wins over Ethiopia and Mali who earlier beat the Flames 2-0.