Former Polokwane City striker Muhammad Sulumba has forced his way back into Malawi’s Flames squad for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) final qualifying round matches against Mozambique.
Malawi coach Mario Marinica has recalled Sulumba, who last represented the Flames a few years ago, following his stellar performances for Mighty Mukuru Wanderers in the elite TNM Super League.
He displayed his latest good performance on Sunday by scoring the leveler to help Wanderers come from behind and force a three-all draw with league leaders Nyasa Big Bullets at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
Sulumba, who played a handful of games for Polokwane in the 2018 season when he scored just twice, has since taken his tally to 10 goals in 18 league games for the third-placed Wanderers, who are 16 points behind the holders Bullets.
Sulumba came off the bench to replace former Orlando Pirates striker Chiukepo Msowoya, who is also part of the Flames squad, and head in the equalizer in the dying minutes of the Blantyre derby played at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The Flames regrouped on Monday for their second week of camping in preparation for the CHAN second round qualifier against Mozambique on August 27 2022 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe followed by the reverse fixture in Maputo.
The former Black Leopards coach Marinica has also beefed up the squad with Wanderers’ defender Miracle Gabeya, midfielder Yamikani Chester, Dedza Dynamos goalkeeper Donex Mwakisinga and Blue Eagles midfielder Gilbert Chirwa.
The overall winner between Malawi and Mozambique will qualify for the CHAN finals scheduled for Algeria.
The Flames are bidding for their first-ever CHAN appearance and reached the final qualifying round due to the suspension of their first-round opponents Zimbabwe.
On the other hand, Mozambique’s Mambas sailed through after seeing off Zambia via a 1-0 win on aggregate over two legs.
