Malawian defender sent back after losing passport at OR Tambo Airport

Malawian defender Gomezgani Chirwa lost his passport at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Saturday while trying to connect to Durban for the forthcoming Cosafa Cup.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has confirmed that the Nyasa Big Bullets right-back was turned back to Lilongwe at the airport due to the absence of his passport.

“Gomezgani Chirwa returned home after he lost his passport at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Chirwa is expected to join the team on Tuesday once he sorts out his passport issue,” FAM says.

It is not clear as to how he lost the passport but Chirwa had used the travel document while checking in on departure from Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe.

The defender is a regular for the Flames who have since arrived in Durban in two batches.

The squad comprises South Africa based strikers Gabadinho Mhango (AmaZulu) and Polokwane City’s Khuda Myaba.

The team had its first training session at Chartsworth Stadium on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers players Stanley Sanudi, Chiukepo Msowoya and Yamikani Chester joined the team on Sunday evening.

The trio had remained behind to play for Wanderers in a domestic league game against Karonga United on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Mozambique-based midfielder John Banda and winger Peter Banda of Simba in Tanzania are expected to join the Flames camp on Monday.

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 guest participants Senegal in the quarterfinals on July 13 at Princess Magogo Stadium.