* Encourages the players to represent Malawi with pride and determination in Friday’s AfCON Pamoja 2026 qualifiers against the Pharaohs
* As Pasuwa expresses satisfaction with the intensity displayed by his players during training
* Saying the team is determined to secure a positive result against the Pharaohs
By Duncan Mlanjira
Malawi Deputy Ambassador to Egypt, Rev. Baxton Maulidi, paid a courtesy visit to the Flames in Cairo ahead of Friday’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) Pamoja 2027 qualifier against Egypt.
He encouraged the players to represent Malawi with pride and determination, inspiring them that the whole nation is rallying behind them to deliver.
The two teams are meeting in back-back with the return fixture scheduled for Tuesday, November 17 at Bingu Stadium and Rev. Maulidi encouraged fans to patronise the match in large numbers.
Speaking from Cairo, Rev. Maulidi said he was pleased with the enthusiasm the Flames have ahead of the match and thus he felt his courtesy call should inspire them to deliver.
Meanwhile, FAM Media reports that Flames head coach Kalisto Pasuwa says his side is ready for the encounter after completing their preparations in Cairo.
Pasuwa is reported to have expressed satisfaction with the intensity displayed by his players during training, saying the team is determined to secure a positive result against the Pharaohs.
Coach Kalisto Pasuwa
“The intensity was high, and the players are eager to go,” he is quoted as saying. “According to the training sessions we have had, the boys are looking good.
The coach also played down the impact of Egypt’s change of head coach, saying his focus remains on the players they will face rather than changes to the opposition’s technical panel.
“It’s not all about coaches. A team can change coaches, but it’s the same players who are still there.
“The DNA remains the same. It’s all up to us and our mentality to be ready for whatever comes.”
The coach further stressed the importance of making a strong start, recalling how Malawi struggled in their previous encounter against Angola after arriving late and having limited time to warm up.
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He said the Flames must avoid a similar situation against Egypt by settling into the game quickly and maintaining their concentration from the opening whistle.
The coach also acknowledged the challenge of playing in Cairo, where he expects a packed stadium, but challenged his players to remain focused and take control of the game.
FAM Media reports that the Flames have an almost complete squad in camp, with 23 of the 24 called-up players available — with only US-based Adiel Kaduya yet to join the team.
Egypt lead Group B with 4 points, sharing with Angola, who are placed second while the Flames are 3rd with 3 points taken off South Sudan, whom they beat 2-1 at Bingu National Stadium before losing 1-3 to Angola in Matchday 2.
Egypt and Angola drew 0-0 in opening campaign and the Pharaohs lead the group after thrashing South Sudan 5-0 in Matchday 2.
