By Romeo Umali–LILONGWE

Flames mentor Patrick Mabedi has named a 25-member squad that leaves today for Durban, South Africa for the 2023 Hollywoodbets Cosafa Cup from July 5-16

Malawi is in Group B alongside Zambia, Comoros and Seychelles. The Flames will first take on Zambia on July 6 before dating Seychelles three days later and finish with Comoros on July 11.

Earlier, sports analyst Kim Kamau described the group as tough for the Flames.

“Any group with Zambia is a tough one. If you look at Zambia, they are the defending champions and will be going there to defend the cup. They also have a good squad of local players that play according to their coaches plans,” says Kamau.

He added the Flames chances are 50/50; saying Comoros is also not a walk over.

Zambia are defending the cup after emerging champions in the 2022 COSAFA edition following their 1-0 win against Namibia in a thrilling final at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The following is the traveling squad:

Goalkeepers: Brighton Munthali ( Blue Eagles), Austin Chirambo ( FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves) and Innocent Nyasulu (Mighty Tigers)

Defenders: Macdonald Lameck ( Blue Eagles), Dennis Chembezi ( Unattached), Dan Chimbalanga (MAFCO), Lawrence Chaziya, Stanley Sanudi ( Mighty Mukuru Wanderers), Nickson Mwase (Silver Strikers)

Midfielders: Alick Lungu, Frank Willard, Patrick Mwaungulu ( FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Blessings Singini ( Ekwendeni Hammers), Chikumbutso Salima, Robert Saizi ( Bangwe All Stars), Chimwemwe Idana, Chikondi Kamanga, Patrick Macheso ( Silver Strikers), Chrispin Mapemba (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Reserves).

Strikers: Chawanangwa Kaonga ( Zanaco, Zambia), Chifundo Mphasi ( Shamuel Academy), Christopher Kumwembe, Gaddie Chirwa ( Mighty Mukuru Wanderers) Lanjesi Nkhoma ( FCB Nyasa Big Bullets)