Double blow

 Second assistant coach Bob Mpinganjira will take charge of the Flames in tomorrow’s international friendly

 against Tanzania after head coach Meck Mwase and his first assistant Lovemore Fazili tested positive for Covid-19.

The Flames flew out to Dar es Salaam yesterday afternoon to face the Taifa Stars at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium at 3pm local time.

A statement issued by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) yesterday, states that apart from Mwase and Fazili, defender Peter Cholopi has also tested positive for the pandemic and is not part of the squad.

“They are all asymptomatic and have since gone into isolation,” reads part of the statement.

In an interview yesterday, Mwase sounding ice-cool, said he has faith in Mpinganjira.

“He is part of the team and I have no doubt that he will do a good job,” he said.

FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said while the absence of the head coach and his assistant is a setback, they have confidence in Mpinganjira.

“We have faith in Bob that he will deliver the job. He knows the philosophy and style of Malawi that made us to be a winning team.

“The trio [Mwase, Fazili and Mpinganjira] has a good working relationship. They are one,” he said.

Mpinganjira has since said he is ready for the task in the absence of both his bosses.

“It is a very difficult situation, but we just have to accept it. It is very bad, but we are going to handle it. We wish them quick recovery.

“The players are in good shape and we are looking forward to the match.

“The preparations have gone on well and the boys looked good in training and we hope that we will do well in Tanzania,” he said.

The 22-member squad, which will be led by FAM vice-president Jabbar Alide, includes three uncapped players, namely Scotland-based left-back Kieran Ngwenya, Mighty Wanderers midfielder Vitumbiko Kumwenda and Nyasa Big Bullets new-signing defender Eric Kaonga.

Mpinganjira said the trio’s performance has been impressive and could get their debuts tomorrow.

The Flames will be without five key players, namely captain Limbikani Mzava, vice-captain John Banda, Gerald Phiri Jnr, Robin Ngalande and Francisco Madinga.

Mzava, Phiri and Ngalande are nursing injuries while Banda and Madinga were excused due to club commitments.

Malawi are preparing for 2022 World Cup qualifiers and 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

The full squad is as follows: Goalkeepers: Ernest Kakhobwe, William Thole and Brighton Munthali; Defenders: Charles Petro, Stanley Sanudi, Kaonga, Nickson Nyasulu, Paul Ndlovu, Denis Chembezi and Ngwenya; Midfielders: Chimwemwe Idana, Chikoti Chirwa, Chimango Kayira, Rafick Namwera, Tawonga Chimodzi, Yamikani Chester and Kumwenda; Strikers: Vincent Nyangulu, Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango, Richard Mbulu and Khuda Muyaba