Former Malawi captain Chancy Vinny Gondwe has urged Malawi Football National team players to play for the flag of the country.
The Flames are away to Dakar, where they will be playing against Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) qualifiers.
Malawi is coming from a dismal start in the qualifiers (Afcon) losing their first two games to Burundi and Burkina Faso in Group L.
Coach Patrick Mabedi already gave up on Malawi’s chances of qualifying following the bad start, but Gondwe says Malawi should be motivated by the support from its supporters.
“Facing against giants is already a motivation,” he said. “Winning in Dakar will send a strong message to the world and the confidence in the boys will change when we host them next week.
“Our boys should play for the flag, because a win will also help us to improve on the FIFA rankings. So, there is a lot at stake; we just need to up our game and take the game to them.”
When asked if Malawi can still qualify for the 2025 Afcon, Gondwe, who played professional football with South African giant Mamelodi Sundowns, stated that it is difficult given Malawi’s lack of points from two games.
“We also need to know that Senegal failed to defend the cup last year, so they do whatever it takes to win games so they qualify, but that should not be in our mind; we just need to play our game,” he said.
Burkina Faso leads group L with four points, level with Senegal. The Flames are the only team without a point. Burundi ranks third with three points.
READ MORE: Chipolopolo injury list increase, Lubambo Musonda ruled out, Sunzu doubtful
