Mhango To Lead Malawi Squad To Face Salah’s Egypt

AmaZulu striker Gabadinho Mhango will lead Malawi when they face Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in the coming days.  

Mhango, who was Malawi’s star when they made history to reach the last 16 of the AFCON finals in last year’s tournament in Cameroon, will be joined by another familiar name from Mzansi – Khuda Myaba of Polokwane City, who was called by Romanian coach Mario Marinica.  

Malawi will face last year’s finalists at Air Defence Stadium in Cairo on Friday (21:00) and then host Mohamed Salah’s Egypt four days later at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe (15:00).

The Flames have collected three points after two AFCON qualifying matches. They started the Group D by beating Ethiopia 2-1 in June last year, with Mhango scoring both goals, which were penalties at home.

However, they lost to Guinea 1-0 away, with Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita scoring in the 91st minute of the game.

In what is a tantalizing and tight group, Egypt are at the bottom with all four teams – namely leaders Ethiopia, followed by Guinea, Malawi and Egypt, on three points after two matches. .

Two wins for Malawi against Africa’s record winners would strengthen their case in reaching the AFCON finals next year in Ivory Coast.

However, they are up against it as they have lost their two previous games against Egypt – a friendly match in 2015 and 2010 World Cup second preliminary round qualifiers in 2008 respectively.