Malawi Men’s Football Team coach Kalisto Pasuwa has unveiled his 27-man squad for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against Comoros, set for this weekend in Lilongwe. However, his squad selection has raised eyebrows, as he has left out all of last season’s top goal scorers, a decision that has sparked criticism from football fans and pundits alike.
Among the notable omissions is Isaac Kaliati, last season’s top scorer with 17 goals, who has been left out of the squad. Also absent are George Chaomba, who finished second to Kaliati with 12 goals, and Zeliat Nkhoma, who shared third place with 12 goals. Other key players not included are Blessings Mwalilino, Isaac Msiska, and Ramadhan Ntafu, all of whom scored 11 goals last season.
Additionally, Castel Challenge Cup top scorer Clement Nyondo, with 13 goals, has been dropped, as has Chinsinsi Maonga, the Airtel Top 8 Cup scorer with 3 goals. Emmanuel Allan, FDH Bank Cup’s top scorer with 9 goals, is also excluded from the squad.
This decision has left many football followers perplexed. Football commentator Kimu Kamau voiced his concern, stating that the coach should provide a clearer explanation for such bold choices.
“The coach needs to justify his decisions. It doesn’t make sense to drop our top scorers, especially those who performed exceptionally last season. Kaliati, for example, was voted Player of the Year, yet he’s not included. Why?” Kamau said. “We deserve answers as supporters of the national team.”
Malawi is set to face Comoros at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe this Sunday, with another match scheduled at the same venue next week. The second match will be played with Malawi as the visiting team, as Comoros lacks qualified venues.
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