Malawi midfielder Joseph Kamwendo says the Flames are bracing up for a physical contest against Sao of Chad on Saturday’s 2015 Orange Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Blantyre.
Ahead of the first leg clash of the first round, The TP Mazembe midfielder told Cafonline.com “Chad is a very difficult team to play against. They play a physical game and you have to be equally fit to match them.
“We need to score as many goals as possible to be in a good stead, at least a three goal win.”
Kamwendo knows much about the Chadians after scoring in last year’s meeting at the same venue where Malawi won 2-0 in the preliminary round qualifier for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Blue Eagles winger, John Banda netted the other goal.
“To do well, we need to concentrate throughout the game and avoid underrating them (Chad). We have to give them the respect they deserve,” Kamwendo said.
Chad, who denied Malawi a place at the Orange 2012 Africa Cup of Nations by holding them 2-2, arrived in Malawi on Thursday afternoon with their French coach Emmanuel Tregoat hoping for the best.
“We have come here for a new project involving new players. We are here to give Malawi a good game,” said the 51-year-old Frenchman.
The reverse leg will be played on the weekend of May 30 with the winner facing the winner of the Sao Tome e Principe/Benin clash at the second round.
The second round winner advances to the group phase, specifically Group B which houses Mali, Algeria and Ethiopia.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) News
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