Sports and Games

Under-20 mentor optimistic

Under-20 mentor optimistic

Malawi Under-20 National Football Team Coach Bob Mpinganjira has dared his charges to aim for the Cosafa Youth Championship to qualify for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Assistant Coach has named a 20-member team to compete in the regional showpiece in Maputo, Mozambique.

Mpinganjira said his charges could qualify for the continental championship if they put an extra effort in all the games.

“The preparations went well and we are very hopeful that we are going to have a very good tournament. We have never won the tournament, but we hope to this year.

“We have talked to the players about the importance of this tournament and that we have to go compete and win the cup, and I am very sure that every player is geared up and that we will get good results,” Mpinganjira told Fam Media.

Malawi were drawn in Group C alongside South Africa, Comoros and Lesotho and will begin their group stage campaign against South Africa on Friday, September 27, before facing Comoros three days later.

Their final group stage match is against Lesotho on October 1.

Like the previous Under -20 tournament, this year’s Cosafa Under 20 championship will serve as a regional qualifier for the Under -20 Africa Cup of Nations, with the two finalists advancing to the continental showpiece.

Below is the full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Amos Sande (Ekhaya) Innocent Kamwambi (Lube FC)

Defenders

Washali Jaziya (Silver Strikers), Kondwani Tebulo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Edward Thengo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV), Herimasi Masinja (Ascent Academy), Elias Mwaywanga (Karonga United Rsv), Happy Mphepo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)

Midfielders

Precious Kwalenga (Mighty Tigers), Francis Malikebu (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV), Blessings Kanowa (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV), Madalitso Safuli (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV), Zanil Jusabu (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV), Mac Kwalira (Mkwichi PVT School), Misheck Billiat (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV), Mwisho Mhango (Ascent Academy), Stimella Muyira (Chitipa United)

Strikers

Masambiro Kalua (Mighty Tigers), Benson Chifundo Makawa (Kamuzu Barracks), Adriel Kaduya (Christian University FC).