Malawi Under-20 National Team coach, Bob Mpinganjira, has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure victory in the upcoming COSAFA Youth Championship, and ultimately qualify for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking on Monday after unveiling his final 20-man squad, which departed for Maputo, Mozambique, Mpinganjira said the team is well-prepared and eager to seize the opportunity to reach the continental final. The tournament is set to begin on Thursday.
“The preparations went well and we are very hopeful that we are going to have a very good tournament,” Mpinganjira said. “We have never won the tournament, but we hope to this year. We have talked to the players about the importance of this tournament and that we have to go compete and win the Cup, and I am very sure that every player is geared up and that we will get good results.”
Malawi is placed in Group C alongside South Africa, Comoros, and Lesotho. The team will open their group stage campaign on Friday, September 27, with a clash against South Africa. Three days later, Malawi will take on Comoros, followed by their final group stage match against Lesotho on October 1st.
This year’s COSAFA U20 Championship, like previous editions, serves as a regional qualifier for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, with the two finalists securing a place in the prestigious continental tournament.
Malawi Under-20 Final Squad:
Goalkeepers
- Amos Sande (Ekhaya)
- Innocent Kamwambi (Lube FC)
Defenders
- Washali Jaziya (Silver Strikers)
- Kondwani Tebulo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)
- Edward Thengo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV)
- Herimasi Masinja (Ascent Academy)
- Elias Mwaywanga (Karonga United Rsv)
- Happy Mphepo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)
Midfielders
- Precious Kwalenga (Mighty Tigers)
- Francis Malikebu (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV)
- Blessings Kanowa (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV)
- Madalitso Safuli (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV)
- Zanil Jusabu (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV)
- Mac Kwalira (Mkwichi PVT School)
- Misheck Billiat (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets RSV)
- Mwisho Mhango (Ascent Academy)
- Stimella Muyira (Chitipa United)
Strikers
- Masambiro Kalua (Mighty Tigers)
- Benson Chifundo Makawa (Kamuzu Barracks)
- Adriel Kaduya (Silver Strikers)
Malawi’s fans will be hoping for a strong showing from the team as they strive for their first COSAFA Youth Championship win and a spot in the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
