Hopes rest on Kamwendo
Hopes rest on Kamwendo
Posted: 2010-01-18 11:24
Malawi has been boosted with availability of striker Russell Mwafulirwa who has been declared fit for today’s make-or-break Africa Cup of Nations Group A clash against Mali in Cabinda.
The news is a significant boost for Flames coach, Kinnah Phiri, who has lost another striker Victor Nyirenda to injury.
Kinnah said at pre-match press conference that it will be “extremely difficult” to beat Mali but he believes his charges have “the means” to succeed.
“Although we lost against the hosts, we proved that our team has the quality. We will fight against Mali in order to qualify Malawi for the first time in its history in the quarterfinals,” assured the coach.
Captain Peter Mponda has also called for cool heads for what he predicted would be Malawi’s “most difficult” game of the competition as either side can still qualify for the quarterfinals, though Mali needs to win and hope that Algeria fail against the hosts.
Algeria and Malawi are level on three points, one behind Angola, while Mali have one point.
Orlando Pirates midfield kingpin Josephy Kamwendo is still hoping that the tournament will serves as a stage apply for an overseas move, and progressing to the next round means increased chances for him to catch the eyes of foreign scouts.
Against Angola, Kamwendo was the only man standing in midfield, doing it all alone as a ball winner and play maker. He knows very well that his nation's hopes are resting firmly with him and he will certainly rise to the occasion.
Mali will miss their skipper, Mahamadou Diarra. The Real Madrid star is one a one-match suspension together with midfielder Bakar.
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