The Football Association of Malawi (Fam) is treading cautiously after their Comoros counterparts inquired on the possibility of using Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe for their home match against the Flames.
The Flames are expected to travel to Comoros for a Africa Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier slated for February 28 before hosting them on March 2 this year.
However, Fam has been caught in a fix after the Comoros Football Federation (CFF) inquired into the possibility of using BNS as their home ground due to the unavailability of certified stadia in their country.
Fam Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka said CFF was expected to make an offer, having made an inquiry into the availability of the venue.
“No offer [has been made]. It was just an inquiry on the availability [of BNS] and we have told them the venue is available. Now we are waiting for their official offer,” Zakazaka said.
However, Zakazaka ruled out the possibility of mind games on the part of their counterparts.
“No, they are not playing mind games. They do not have a ground and it will be cheaper for them to just fly into one country and play two matches than go to another country to play the first leg and then come to Malawi for the return leg,” Zakazaka said.
Local football analyst Frank Chakanga said it was a blessing in disguise for the Flames.
“It is not something of their making as the truth is that they do not have a certified venue and have nowhere to go.
“The Flames should take advantage of the predicament of our counterparts. If we take advantage of this chance then the Flames can progress if they prepare and plan well,” he said.
The Flames were drawn against Comoros during last week’s draw for the Chan playoffs.
The draw was conducted at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.
The winner between Malawi and Comoros will face either South Africa or Egypt in the second round.
The overall winner of the second-round matches will advance to the Chan final to be staged in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in August this year.
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