Mhango makes an assurance to Malawians after his return to Flames squad

Gabadinho Mhango of Malawi during Morocco against Malawi, African Cup of Nations, at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on January 25, 2022. (Photo via Getty Images)

Gabadinho Mhango, an attacker based in South Africa, has returned to the Malawi national team in anticipation of the country’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier matches against Liberia and Tunisia later this month.

Mhango has not played in the two 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Ethiopia and Guinea this year due to head coach Patrick Mabedi’s decision.

His return has brought joy to the Moroka Swallows striker: “I always say that for me it is a privilege to represent my nation and I try to give out my best all the time,” Mhango told Malawi’s Nation newspaper.

“But there are times when I have to understand that national team call-ups are at the discretion of the coach.”

When asked about what Malawians should expect from him, Mhango said he could not say much but he is ready to deliver his best together with his teammates.

Gabadinho Mhango and Achraf Hakimi during the match between Morocco and Malawi at the African Cup of Nations, at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on January 25, 2022. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/Nur via Getty Images)

Other foreign-based players that Mabedi has called are Denis Chembezi, who plays in Iraq; captain John Banda, who is from Mozambique; Chifundo Mphasi, who plays for Kabwe Warriors in Zambia; and Brighton Munthali, who is with the Black Leopards in South Africa.

Malawi will travel to Liberia for their opening group H match on Friday, November 17, before hosting Tunisia at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi, on Tuesday, November 21.

The Flames will leave for Liberia on Monday through Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe.