Sports pundits are urging Flames Coach Patrick Mabedi to adopt an offensive strategy in the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Sao Tome & Principe on Thursday at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Renowned football analyst Kim Kamau believes a disciplined starting eleven that maintains possession and attacks with caution is ideal for scoring early goals.
Retired footballer Charles Juma, on the other hand, advises Mabedi to select players with stamina and skill who can adopt aggressive man-to-man football, avoiding aerial balls to build confidence.
At a press briefing in Lilongwe, Mabedi assured journalists that the team will be on top of their game, building on their positive performance against Liberia which Malawi won 1-0 in Monrovia.
Flames’ Captain John ‘CJ’ Banda said the players are prepared despite having limited time to prepare thoroughly.
Sao Tome & Principe’s Coach Ricardo Monsanto acknowledged Malawi as a strong team but hopes to capitalise on minimal chances to secure maximum points.
Sao Tome is yet to register a win and has no points in the qualifiers, ranking 5th in Group H, while Malawi is 4th with 3 points.