Malawi Coach Confident Ahead of Crucial Clashes with Algeria in CAN 2015 Qualifiers
As Malawi prepares to host Algeria on October 10 in Blantyre for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, head coach Young Chimodzi is expressing cautious optimism—despite the formidable reputation of the Fennecs under coach Christian Gourcuff.
A Firepower-Filled Algerian Attack
Algeria arrives with a fearsome offensive trio:
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Yacine Brahimi (FC Porto)
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Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia)
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Islam Slimani (Sporting Lisbon)
Since their strong showing at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the Fennecs have been widely hailed as Africa’s best team. However, Chimodzi remains unfazed.
“I believe in my team,” he told Nyasa Times. “Given our past results against North African teams, we should not have too many problems winning the three points.”
Fortress Blantyre: Malawi’s Kamuzu Stadium Advantage
The Flames are notoriously difficult to beat at home. Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre has often been a stronghold for the Malawians, and Chimodzi is banking on this home-field advantage to unsettle Algeria.
“Malawi is almost invincible at home,” the coach said, emphasizing that a win is crucial if the team wants to remain in contention in the group dominated by Algeria.
Key to Victory: Focus and Discipline
While Chimodzi believes in his starting lineup and depth players, he is clear on what it will take to get a result:
“We cannot retain everyone at the same time. What matters is to seize our opportunity and not make mistakes against Algeria,” he said.
“The Algerian team can punish the slightest error, so we must stay sharp—especially during the first and last 15 minutes of each half.”
The Road Ahead
Malawi will travel to Blida for the return leg on October 15. Chimodzi’s challenge is monumental, but his calm confidence, tactical focus, and faith in the Kamuzu Stadium mystique offer hope that the Flames could spark an upset.
