Gabadinho breaks Peterkins Kayira’s scoring number, becomes 8th top scorer for Flames

Gabadinho Mhango has surpassed legend Peterkins Kayira’s goal-scoring record for the Malawi National Team following his recent impressive performances.

The former Orlando Pirates striker, whose international career seemed uncertain under previous head coach Patrick Mabedi, has experienced a remarkable revival under Kalisto Pasuwa’s leadership.

In his last five appearances under Pasuwa, Mhango has scored three goals and provided one assist, demonstrating his renewed confidence and form. Pasuwa included the striker in his 26-man squad for the September FIFA international break, and Mhango has repaid that faith with stellar performances.

Before facing Namibia and Liberia, Mhango was tied with Kayira on 18 goals for the national team. His two goals in these recent matches have now lifted him above the former Flames forward.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

Peterkins Kayira scored 18 goals in 68 appearances for Malawi from 1983 to 1989, establishing himself as one of the country’s football legends.

With his record-breaking 20th international goal, Mhango now sits as the 8th highest scorer in Malawi’s history. He is just two goals away from matching the tallies of late Yasin Ousman and prolific goal scorers Essau Kanyenda and Chiukepo Msowoya, who each netted 22 goals during their international careers.

Yasin Ousman: 22 goals in 67 appearances (1966-1975), with 38 friendly matches
Essau Kanyenda: 22 goals in 72 appearances (1999-2015)
Chiukepo Msowoya: 22 goals in 88 appearances (2006-2023)

The players ahead of Mhango on the all-time scoring list are Kinah Phiri (71 goals), Lawrence Waya (28), Frank Sinalo (28), Stock Dandize (23), and the trio mentioned above with 22 goals each.

Flames top 9 scorers

Mhango has also climbed to 21st place on the list of most-capped players with 73 appearances, surpassing both Essau Kanyenda and Davie Banda, who have 72 caps each.

Kalisto Names Mhango Captain for Flames

With Christopher John Banda’s return to the national team remaining uncertain, Mhango has been named the new Flames captain. Banda last played against Tunisia earlier this year and announced his intention to retire after the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Football Association of Malawi confirmed Mhango’s appointment, with competitions manager Gomezgani Zakazaka stating that Pasuwa selected him as the substantive captain.

Assistant Coach Peter Mponda, who captained Malawi during his playing days, praised the appointment: “He is a fighter, he gives everything to the team. He motivates his teammates despite being a senior player and his status.”

Mhango now joins an illustrious list of former Flames captains including Jack Chamangwana, Young Chimodzi, John Dzimbiri, Chancy Gondwe, Patrick Mabedi, John Maduka, Meke Mwase, James Sangala, Peter Mponda, Joseph Kamwendo, Limbakani Mzava, and John Banda.

Speaking about his appointment, the Richards Bay FC striker expressed his honor: “Being captain comes with the responsibility of leading the team, and it’s a great honor to have joined the list of great players. But having said that, everyone is a captain – we all have responsibility, and I’m thankful for the support I’m getting from my fellow senior players.”

Mhango scored a spectacular goal against Namibia last Friday as Malawi recorded a 2-1 victory in Botswana. He also found the net against Liberia on Monday before assisting Chawanangwa Kaonga for the equalizing goal in a 2-2 draw.

Looking ahead, Mhango will be hoping to equal Kanyenda and Msowoya’s 22-goal record when Malawi face Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé next month in the World Cup qualifiers.