Flames interim coach Patrick Mabedi says he has not given up hope on qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) despite the odds being stacked against the Malawi National Football Team.

The Flames anchor Group D with three points from four matches, six points behind leaders Egypt and three adrift of second-placed Guinea. The four teams, Egypt, Guinea, Ethiopia and Malawi, have two games left each.

Malawi need to win both their remaining matches against Ethiopia’s Walias next month away and the SyliNationale of Guinea in September at home to sail through.

Said Mabedi: “Of course, we have slim chances, but in football anything is possible. If we win both our remaining matches, then we can sneak in.”

Meanwhile, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has said the Flames are expected to resume camp this week to start preparations for the Ethiopia match scheduled for Maputo, Mozambique on June 12.

Mabedi (L) with assistant coach Franco Ndawa during a previous training session

Ethiopia will host the Flames in Maputo because their national stadium failed to meet Confederation of African Football requirements

In an interview yesterday, FAM president Walter Nyamilandu said Mabedi will announce his backroom staff as well as the squad this week.

He also said they have agreed personal terms with the former Kaizer Chiefs interim coach.

On whether they expect the coach to make some changes to the squad, Nyamilandu

 said: “He is scouting at the moment. Let’s see what he will come up with as he is expected to hold a presser during the week.”

Mabedi was appointed Flames interim coach last month, replacing Mario Marinica whose contract was not renewed, following the expiry of his one-year deal characterised by poor results.

He was part of the Romanian’s backroom staff as an assistant coach.

FAM said they settled for Mabedi for continuity’s sake and owing to his experience

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