Kalisto Pasuwa Bets on Cairo Preparation Ahead of Malawi’s Egypt Clash

Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa believes an early arrival in Cairo could give the Flames a valuable edge as they prepare to face Egypt in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, according to MaraviPost. The team reached the Egyptian capital at about 3 a.m. on Monday after departing Malawi the previous day. Pasuwa said the extra time would help players recover from the journey, adjust to local conditions and get ready for Friday’s Group B fixture. The squad’s first training session was planned for Monday evening, with recovery taking priority after the long trip. Pasuwa told the outlet that having the players together for three or four days would allow the coaching staff to work more closely with the squad, especially those who had not featured in recent matches. At the time of the interview, 15 of the 24 called-up players had arrived. Several more joined, including Richard Mbulu, Babatunde Adepoju, Francisco Madinga, Patrick Mwangulu and Lanjesi Nkhoma. Other players were still expected to report to camp, among them Gomezgani Chirwa, Washali Jaziya, McDonald Rameck and Lloyd Njaliwa. Germany-based forward Mwisho Mhango and Adiel Kaduya, who plays in the United States, were due to arrive on Tuesday. The match is important for Malawi’s standing in Group B. Egypt had four points from two games and sat second, while the Flames had three points and were third. The sides were scheduled to meet in Cairo on Friday, November 13, before Malawi hosted the return match at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Tuesday, November 17. Pasuwa’s confidence rests on the preparation window and the chance to bring the group together before facing the Pharaohs. The report does not suggest a guaranteed result, but presents the coach’s view that recovery, adaptation and focused training can put Malawi in a stronger position for the challenge.