The Maravi Post

LILONGWE--Following the African Cup of Nations draw last week, Malawi national football team coach Kinnah “Special One” Phiri has called upon the fans and the corporate world to rally behind the team as it tries to get to the 2013 Orange African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

The Flames’ next challenge is no joke. It’s four time African Cup of Nations champions Ghana. The first leg will be an in Accra, Ghana during the weekend of 7-9 September. The second leg, to be played the weekend of  October 7-9, will be in Blantyre, Malawi.

Ghana went to the last edition of Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 as warm favourites but failed to live up to the expectations as they failed to make it to the finals.  

When asked to comment about the draw against the Black Stars, the Flames coach Kinnah Phiri was all smiles.

“This is what I was praying for. It has gone according to my wish that we should meet a team which has never come here and have the final game here at Kamuzu Stadium [where] we can have all the support.”

The fact that Ghana is yet again expected to do better doesn’t bother the coach.

“Football is unpredictable, and there’s no big or small team in football. This isn’t a difficult match; it all depends on how you prepare for it. If we prepare well, we will pass the challenge and go to African Cup of Nations.

“We can’t be ruled out early, just because they have big players who play in bigger leagues, no! We managed to play against Nigeria, a team [with] big names. So why should we be afraid of them?”

Malawi drew 1-1 with Nigeria's Super Eagles.

The Flames' coach wants supporters and the corporate world to know that they have a dog in the fight against the Black Stars.

“We want to ask the fans and companies that they should give the team the required support so that it can boost our confidence,” he pleaded.
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