Malawi national football team, the Flames are on the verge of qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals, only if they overcome visitors Uganda Cranes in a swim or sink tie at Kamuzu Stadium on Monday afternoon.
It’s a death match between the two sides who have both set their eyes on the last slot in Group B after leaders Burkina Faso already qualified following a draw against the Cranes last week.
For Malawi’s Flames, qualification is within sniffing distance as they play the decider at home, Kamuzu Stadium , where they have not lost a match for the past five years.
If the Flames make it, it will be the third time having previously competed in the finals in 1984 and 2010. Uganda, on the other hand, have been regulars at the Africa Cup of Nations since 2015.
The Cranes just need a draw while the Flames do not have that luxury. It’s a must win game for them.
Malawi started the campaign with a 1-0 over South Sudan before two back to back losses to Uganda (2-0) and Burkina Faso (3-1).
A draw against Burkina Faso at home in November has proved vital for Flames as it has kept the Flames in contention after a 1-0 victory over South Sudan last Wednesday.
Coach Meck Mwase is expected to feature an offensive first eleven just like in the match against South Sudan.But Mwase while acknowledging that Uganda is a formidable side, is optimistic that this is Malawi’s moment to return to Afcon.
Said Mwase: “We know Uganda is a good side. We played them before. But we are equally ready for them.”
