Malawi National Team coach Kalisto Pasuwa will be without key players for Tuesday’s friendly against Lesotho in South Africa, with injuries and club commitments forcing changes to his lineup.
Ekhaya FC left-back Alick Lungu and Power Dynamos attacker Chifundo Mphasi have been ruled out of the match, which comes just four days after the Flames held Lesotho to a goalless draw at Toyota Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Pasuwa confirmed that Lungu has been sidelined due to injury.
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“Since we last played two days ago, we had some injuries. Alick Lungu cannot be part of the team tomorrow—the medical team has confirmed that,” Pasuwa said.
The loss of Lungu is significant, as the left-back has been a regular starter under Pasuwa, featuring in 15 of the 17 matches since the coach took charge.
Mphasi, who made his return to the national team on Saturday after missing the previous 16 matches, will also be unavailable. However, his absence is due to club duties rather than injury.
“Chifundo Mphasi has travelled to Morocco with Power Dynamos for their CAF Champions League match, so he is not part of us,” the coach explained.
Three additional players are doubtful for Tuesday’s encounter, adding to Pasuwa’s selection headaches.
Mighty Wanderers defender Emmanuel Nyirenda is struggling with a groin injury, while FC Platinum’s Nixon Nyasulu is dealing with a knee problem. Both players were expected to train on Monday, with their participation dependent on medical clearance.
Flames Vice Captain Charles Petro suffered an eye injury during Saturday’s match but may be available after sitting out Sunday’s training session.
Silver Strikers goalkeeper George Chikooka is also uncertain after feeling unwell, with his status to be determined after the team’s final training session.
“We are having problems of Emmanuel Nyirenda, who has a groin injury and we also have a problem with Charles Petro who suffered a knock on his eye but I heard th doctors that he might train with us today. Yesterday he didn’t train with us, they were rested.
“Nixon Nyasulu also had a knee injury but the doctor said he might train today. On George Chikooka, I heard that he is not feeling well but I think we will see maybe on our last training session that we will do today. But all other guys, are ready to play.
Squad Rotation Expected
Despite the injury setbacks, Pasuwa indicated that supporters should expect changes to the starting lineup, though he emphasized a measured approach.
“Yes, we will see changes with these injuries, and also to give opportunities to some of the guys who didn’t play on Saturday,” he said. “But it’s not wholesome changes—you know that we are rebuilding, and we can’t just change the whole team.
“We might change one or two in defense and also in the striking force, trying to see how best we can tackle the opponent.”
The match against Lesotho forms part of the Flames’ preparations as Pasuwa continues to build his squad and assess his options ahead of future competitive fixtures.
The Flames face Lesotho on Tuesday in South Africa in their second friendly match of the international window.
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