Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa has picked two fresh faces for the national team ahead of their showdown with Botswana. Joshua Waka from Blue Eagles gets his first chance between the posts after stellar club performances. Striker Blessings Mwalilino from Mighty Wanderers also earns his maiden call-up to the senior squad. The pair will join 23 other players for Sunday's friendly at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe. Their selection shows Pasuwa wants young blood mixed with experienced campaigners.
The match forms part of Malawi's 61st Independence Day party celebrations. Pasuwa kept 17 players from last month's COSAFA Cup tournament squad. FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves midfielder Oscar Petro stays after his impressive debut against Angola. The team meets Thursday in Lilongwe to start final preparations for the contest. Fans expect a patriotic atmosphere as the nation celebrates independence.
Waka and Mwalilino have caught attention with recent club form that earned them national recognition. The goalkeeper has been solid for Blue Eagles during the current season. Mwalilino has found the net regularly for Mighty Wanderers in domestic competition. Both players represent the future of Malawi football according to team selectors. Their inclusion signals the Flames management wants to develop emerging talent for upcoming tournaments.
The match forms part of Malawi's 61st Independence Day party celebrations. Pasuwa kept 17 players from last month's COSAFA Cup tournament squad. FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves midfielder Oscar Petro stays after his impressive debut against Angola. The team meets Thursday in Lilongwe to start final preparations for the contest. Fans expect a patriotic atmosphere as the nation celebrates independence.
Waka and Mwalilino have caught attention with recent club form that earned them national recognition. The goalkeeper has been solid for Blue Eagles during the current season. Mwalilino has found the net regularly for Mighty Wanderers in domestic competition. Both players represent the future of Malawi football according to team selectors. Their inclusion signals the Flames management wants to develop emerging talent for upcoming tournaments.
