The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has explained the late addition of Ekhaya FC goalkeeper, Elias Missi, to the Flames squad for the upcoming friendly match against Botswana. The national team is set to face Botswana on Sunday at Bingu National Stadium, coinciding with the country’s independence celebrations.
National team coach Kalisto Pasuwa initially announced a 25-man squad composed of local players, aiming to use the match as a crucial step in his team’s rebuilding process. The squad retained 17 players from last month’s Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup, including FCB Nyasa Bullets Reserves midfielder Oscar Petro, who debuted at the tournament.
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The initial call-up featured three goalkeepers: Joshua Waka (Blue Eagles), George Chikooka (Silver Strikers), and Richard Chimbamba (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets). However, FAM later confirmed Missi’s inclusion as a replacement for Chikooka, who sustained an injury during Silver Strikers’ midweek match against Creck Sporting Club.
A statement released by FAM read, “Ekhaya goalkeeper Elias Misi has replaced Silver Strikers’ shot-stopper George Chikooka in the Malawi national team camp ahead of the Independence Celebrations friendly match against Botswana. Chikooka sustained an injury during the Bankers’ midweek clash against Creck.”
Missi, an in-form goalkeeper, has had an impressive season, maintaining six clean sheets in just 11 appearances. His strong performance has now earned him a spot in the squad, where he will join his Ekhaya FC teammate Alick Lungu.
Ekhaya FC currently sits third in the TNM Super League, boasting a strong defensive record with only five goals conceded in 11 matches.
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