Malawi’s preparations for their crucial 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Senegal have been dealt a significant blow, with striker Richard Mbulu ruled out of the fixture due to injury. The Flames will now head into the tough contest in Dakar without one of their key attacking players.
Mbulu’s absence has forced head coach Patrick Mabedi to make a swift adjustment to his squad, calling up Mighty Mukuru Wanderers forward Isaac Kaliati as a replacement.
This last-minute change adds a fresh dynamic to the Malawian attack, though Kaliati will have big shoes to fill as Malawi prepare to face the reigning African champions.
On Friday, Mabedi named a 20-man squad to take on Senegal in Dakar on October 11, followed by the return fixture at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on October 15.
The squad features a blend of domestic and foreign-based players, with some notable inclusions and returns.
In addition to Kaliati’s late inclusion, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers left-back Timothy Silwamba has earned a call-up, offering defensive stability for the Flames.
Meanwhile, Blue Eagles goalkeeper Brighton Munthali has also rejoined the squad after missing out on the September qualifiers due to injury.
His return will be welcomed by Mabedi, as Munthali’s experience between the posts could prove vital against a high-caliber Senegalese side.
Despite these adjustments, much of the squad remains unchanged from the group that faced Burkina Faso and Burundi in last month’s qualifiers.
Mabedi will be hoping that the team’s familiarity with one another will help them gel quickly as they face the challenging task of overcoming Senegal.
Facing Senegal in Dakar is a daunting prospect for any side, and Malawi’s task has been made even harder by Mbulu’s injury.
Senegal, led by coach Aliou Cissé, boast an array of star players, including Sadio Mané, and are currently seen as one of the strongest teams on the continent.
Malawi will need to be at their best if they hope to secure a positive result.
Despite the uphill battle, the Flames will not be without hope.
Coach Mabedi’s side has shown resilience in previous encounters, and they will be looking to contain Senegal’s powerful attack while capitalizing on any opportunities to counter.
The Malawi squad will leave the country on Saturday, traveling via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where they will stay overnight before continuing their journey to Dakar on Sunday.
The foreign-based players will make their way directly to Senegal from their respective clubs across Europe and Africa.
This logistical challenge adds another layer of complexity to Malawi’s preparations, as they will have limited time for the full squad to train together before the first leg of the doubleheader.
Following the match in Dakar, Malawi will return home for the second leg, hoping to take advantage of home soil in Lilongwe’s Bingu National Stadium on October 15.
With two matches in such a short space of time, squad depth and fitness will be crucial as the Flames aim to navigate both legs successfully.
Mbulu’s absence undoubtedly disrupts Malawi’s attacking plans, but the inclusion of Isaac Kaliati offers a chance for the Flames to try something different up front.
With key players returning and a determined squad heading to Dakar, Malawi will look to defy the odds in these critical AFCON qualifiers.
As the Flames continue their quest for AFCON 2025 qualification, coach Patrick Mabedi will be hoping his side can rise to the challenge against the formidable Senegalese team and keep their qualification hopes alive.
