Pasuwa hints at changes for Lesotho clash as Flames prepare for final friendly

Malawi National Team head coach Kalisto Pasuwa has indicated he will make tactical adjustments when the Flames face Lesotho on Tuesday in South Africa, potentially giving opportunities to midfielder Blessings Singini and Qatar-based Lloyd Aaron.

The match, likely to be Malawi’s final friendly before the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers commence in March 2026, comes as Pasuwa continues his squad-building project aimed at assembling a competitive team for the continental tournament.

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Speaking ahead of the encounter, Pasuwa suggested changes are on the cards following Saturday’s goalless draw against the same opponents, where Yankho Singo and Lloyd Njaliwa featured in midfield.

“Yankho Singo is more of a mechanical load type of player, while Lloyd Njaliwa is like a number 8 who moves up and down,” Pasuwa explained. “Maybe in our last game, we were winning the second balls, but when we had possession, we were losing it too much. When we tried to build from the back, they weren’t coming to collect the ball and link up with the front three or four.”

The coach hinted that Mighty Wanderers midfielder Singini and Aaron could be tested in Tuesday’s fixture. “We talk of Lloyd Aaron, Singini—everyone will be given their chance, and tomorrow might be theirs,” he said.

Pasuwa also mentioned Uchizi Vunga, who recently featured in the CAF Champions League, as another player being considered for selection.

“Building Toward AFCON Qualifiers”

Since taking charge, Pasuwa has overseen 17 matches across various competitions—including COSAFA, CHAN, the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and friendlies—giving starting opportunities to 36 different players as he assesses his options.

However, the coach acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly in attack. “So far so good, but mostly we are struggling to score goals,” Pasuwa admitted. “At national team level, you’re given a maximum of four days to train players, and international players can arrive just a day or two before matches. To build that cohesion and get goals coming, you need a lot more time.”

Beyond the attacking struggles, Pasuwa identified defensive transitions as an area requiring improvement. “On transition from attack to defense, at times we are being caught unaware and leaving too many spaces at the back,” he noted. “We also need to express ourselves better when we get onto the field of play.”

With the serious business of AFCON qualification set to begin in three months, Tuesday’s match represents a final chance for Pasuwa to fine-tune his approach and give fringe players an opportunity to stake their claim for a place in his plans.

The Flames will be hoping to end their friendly campaign on a winning note after the stalemate on Saturday, building momentum ahead of what promises to be a challenging qualification campaign for the 2027 tournament.