Gabadinho snub ahead of Malawi's World Cup qualifiers sparks debate

Gabadinho Mhango via (Photo via Getty Images)

Despite his current form in South Africa’s Dstv Premiership, Malawi head coach Patrick Mabedi dropped attacker Gabadinho Mhango from his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Malawi will play Sao Tome this Thursday at Bingu National Stadium before facing Equatorial Guinea on June 11.

Mabedi recalled Mhango in March for the four-nation tournament, which included Zambia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.

Patrick Mabedi sharing a light momemt with his players. (Picture via FB/Football Association of Malawi)

During the tournament, the Moroka Swallows angered fans after angrily walking to the dugout when he was subbed off in the match against Zambia. Mhango went straight to the dressing room after being substituted following an underwhelming performance, having not had a single shot on target.

However, his exclusion from the World Cup squad has triggered differing reactions from fans following his recent form in the DSTV Premiership.

Mhango has scored seven league goals, five of which came in his last eight matches, helping Moroka Swallows avoid relegation.

Mabedi was unavailable for a comment, while Mhango said he would comment at an appropriate time.

Without Mhango, Malawi will bank on four strikers: Henri Kumwenda, a former Leeds United striker who now plays for Butler Men’s Soccer; Zeliat Nkhoma, who plays for Kamuzu Barracks in Malawi; Chawanangwa Kaonga, who plays for ZANACO; and Chifundo Mphasi, a Kabwe Warriors striker in Zambia.