AmaZulu’s new signing, Gabadinho Mhango, has made a U-turn and joined Malawi’s Cosafa Cup squad.
The star striker had excused himself from the Flames squad, saying he wanted to complete his relocation from Orlando Pirates.
Football Association of Malawi spokesperson Gomezgani Zakazaka tells FARPost that the former Bloemfontein Celtic forward has now availed himself to the Flames coach Mario Marinica.
“Earlier, he had excused himself… then he came back saying he is available,” Zakazaka said.
Mhango is Malawi’s all-time Cosafa Cup leading scorer with six goals from eight games, having featured only in the 2016 and 2019 editions.
Marinica has also called up Mozambique-based skipper John Banda alongside Peter Banda of Tanzania’s Simba and Polokwane City striker Khuda Muyaba. John Banda is on the books of UD Songo.
Marinica released the 23-member squad on Friday at a press conference held at Mpira House in Blantyre.
Marinica has included uncapped Civil Service United defender Kelvin Kadzinje and Nyasa Big Bullets midfielder Patrick Mwaungulu.
Experienced Blue Eagles defender Sankhani Mkandawire has also made it to the final squad after being out of the Flames for over six years.
First-choice keeper Charles Thom of Silver Strikers and former Polokwane defender Chembezi Denis are out injured.
Marinica wants to use the Cosafa Cup to prepare for African Nations Championship and AFCON qualifiers scheduled between July and September 2022.
The Flames have since left for Durban ahead of the group B battles against Lesotho, Eswatini and Mauritius.
Malawi open their campaign against Lesotho on July 6 at King Zwelithini Stadium before facing Eswatini at the same venue two days later.
The Flames will play their final group match against Mauritius at the Princess Magogo on July 10.
The overall winner of Malawi’s group shall date guests Senegal in the quarterfinals on July 13 at Princess Magogo Stadium.
Flames full squad:
Goalkeepers: Ernest Kakhobwe (Civil Service), Clever Mkungula (Big Bullets)
Defenders: Stanley Sanudi (Mighty Wanderers), Paul Ndhlovu (Mafco), Blessings Mpokera, Gomezgani Chirwa, Precious Sambani (Bullets), Kelvin Kadzinje, Dan Chimbalanga (Civil), Sankhani Mkandawire (Blue Eagles).
Midfielders: John Banda (UD Songo, Mozambique), Chimwemwe Idana (Big Bullets), Peter Banda (Simba), Yamikani Chester (Wanderers), Micium Mhone (Blue Eagles), Chikoti Chirwa (Red Lions), Lloyd Njaliwa (Moyale Barracks), Patrick Maungulu (Bullets).
Strikers: Gabadinho Mhango (AmaZulu, SA), Khuda Muyaba (Polokwane City, SA), Stenie Davie (Silver Strikers), Chikukepo Msowoya (Wanderers), Schumaker Kuwali (Eagles).
