The Black Stars of Ghana still boast of their 12-0 victory over Malawi in the Flames’ first ever international game back in October, 1962, as one of their best results. But this weekend they are facing a different Malawi side that is set to turn the tables.
The two sides last played each other in 2010 in an international friendly that ended in a stalemate that only count as a test match.
So, tomorrow, history will be made since the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier first leg is the first ever competitive game between the two sides.
Malawi enters the Accra Stadium as the underdogs against the star studded four time Afcon champions Ghana and coach Kinnah Phiri has said this is an advantage to the Flames.
“They don’t know anything about us, so pressure is on them. They might have their stars but we came here just to play our game and make sure we win, but they will definitely be under pressure to please their home crowd,” Kinnah said.
The coach warned Ghana of what befell other giants like Egypt, Ivory Coast, DR Congo who had underrated the Flames.
But his counterpart Kwesi Appiah has told Supersport.com that they would extinguish the Flames.
“Malawi has got a good team and it’s not going to be easy, but we’ve also got the caliber of players who can always rise to the occasion,” Appiah said.
“Malawi is a very strong team. I have watched about two or three of their games and they have a very good team, they are doing well.”
“And for that reason we will go in all out and make sure we get a win here to make things easier for us when we go for the return leg in Malawi.”
Appiah has all the stars he needs and he also welcomes Asamoah Gyan, who last played for Ghana in February in Africa Cup of Nations semi-final defeat to Zambia and has promised goals against Malawi.
Gyan recently told Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) that he wants to help the Black Stars win against Malawi.
“It’s [Malawi game] one of the important games we have this year. I think people are expecting us to win and we will give Ghanaians what they want at the Accra Sports Stadium,” Gyan said.
“We need to be scoring more goals in the first leg and see in Malawi.”
But Malawi international defender Limbikani Mzava has said he would police the Ghana star.
The Bloemfontein Celtic defender said his job would be to make sure that the Al-Ain striker does not score.
Meanwhile, Flames coach Kinnah is likely to start Bullets FC striker Gabadhino Mhango who was introduced as a substitute in the 1-0 loss to Liberia, to replace Atusaye Nyondo and he did not disappoint at all.
After the loss, the coach lashed out at his professional players for lack of match fitness.
He, however, applauded TNM Super League players for the performance and has hinted that tomorrow he would use majority of the locals.
Some of the locals that won the heart of the coach during the test match include Chimango Kayira, Gabadihno, Joseph Kamwendo, Frank Banda and Pilirani Makupe.
