Malawi name 24-man squad for 2026 U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eswatini

Malawi Under-23 head coach Bob Mpinganjira has named a 24-player squad for the 2026 CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Eswatini.

The first leg will be played in Eswatini on 28 September 2026, with Malawi hosting the return match at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on 6 October.

The squad is expected to assemble in Blantyre on Thursday, 10 September, when preparations will begin for the two-legged tie.

The winner of the contest will meet Algeria in the second qualifying round. Should Malawi progress beyond that stage, they could face the winner of a tournament involving Zimbabwe, Mauritius and Mali in the third round.

Mpinganjira has selected four goalkeepers, nine defenders, six midfielders and five forwards for the campaign.

Malawi Under-23 squad

Goalkeepers

– Precious Masamba (Blue Eagles) – Innocent Kaiwambi (Mzuzu City Hummers) – Julius Banda (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets) – Mayamiko Chisiwa (Chizumulu United)

Defenders

– Helmas Masinja (Ekhaya FC) – Happy Mphepo (Ekhaya FC) – Joseph Saiwa (Ekhaya FC) – Elias Muywanga (Karonga FC) – Edward Thengo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets) – Feston Botomani (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets) – Alex Kambiilinya (Mighty Wanderers) – Lameck George (Mighty Wanderers) – Kelvin Gondwe (Mzuzu City Hummers)

Midfielders

– Lusali Jali (Silver Strikers) – Matamando Matchipisa (Red Lions) – Levison Mnyenyembe (Ekhaya FC) – Sthera Muyira (Masters FC) – Godfrey Sibale (Karonga United) – Godfrey Kiokwa (Chitipa United)

Forwards

– Masambilo Kalua (Mighty Tigers) – Chifundo Makawa (Moyale) – Steve Nkhata (Creck) – John Nchema (Kamuzu Barracks) – Lucky Mkandawire (Moyale)

The fixtures will determine which side remains in contention for a place in the next edition of the CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations. Malawi will have home advantage in the second meeting, but must first secure a positive result away from home when the qualifying campaign begins in Eswatini on 28 September.