Mhango: We learned from previous mistakes, ready for Namibia

Flames striker Gabadinho Mhango says the team has learned from previous mistakes as they prepare to face Namibia on Friday in Francistown, Botswana, in the World Cup Qualifiers.

The Malawi National Team landed in Botswana this afternoon, looking to bounce back from their recent poor performances in the Africa Nations Championship and COSAFA Cup.

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The Flames have lost three of their last five matches across all competitions, with two games ending in draws. They suffered defeats to South Africa, Lesotho, and Angola, while drawing against Botswana and Namibia. Their last victory came against South Africa at Bingu National Stadium in the CHAN playoffs.

While the team is already eliminated from World Cup qualifying contention after collecting just six points from four games—sitting 10 points behind leaders Tunisia—Malawi will be looking to build momentum from the September fixtures for FIFA ranking purposes and preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Speaking on Tuesday at Bingu National Stadium, Mhango, one of the senior players in the squad, expressed confidence ahead of the match.

“I’m very happy to be back again. Thanks for another opportunity—I’m grateful, and I think everyone is ready to play for the national team. Everyone is pushing to be in good form. I can tell the guys have been training well. We’re good to go, and I think we’re ready,” Mhango said.

“I know we lost our previous games, but we can learn from those mistakes. This time we need to turn it around because we saw what our mistakes were and what was affecting us. We’re taking it in a positive way. We know it’s an away game, but as a team, I can tell the boys are not scared and everyone is ready to play. So we’re good to go.”

Regarding the inclusion of Mayele Malango in the squad, Mhango welcomed the new addition: “Everyone has a desire to be in the national team, so it’s a big welcome to the new players who have just joined us. We want to see them smile and see them on the pitch because everyone wants to play for the national team. They bring spirit from outside the country, from America. Big welcome, and enjoy the football.”