Pasuwa names six debutants in Flames squad for AFCON qualifiers
Malawi head coach Kalisto Pasuwa has handed six players their maiden senior national team call-ups as the Flames begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
Pasuwa announced a 30-player Malawi squad on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Mpira House in Chiwembe, Blantyre, as the Flames step up preparations for their 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The squad combines emerging talent with experienced players based both in Malawi and abroad, with six uncapped players given an opportunity to make their mark at senior international level.
The new faces are Blessings Kanowa of Nankatsu SC in Japan, Jorden Kananga of Zacatepec FC in Mexico, Shaquille Gwengwe of Newport County in Wales and Adiel Kaduya of Mustangs University.
The other two debutants are Malawi-based players Peter Ng’ambi of Mighty Wanderers and Ajussa Kalowa of Blue Eagles.
Kanowa’s selection is particularly notable, with the midfielder earning recognition alongside his Nankatsu SC teammate Washali Jaziya, who is also included in the squad.
Pasuwa blends overseas experience with local talent
The Flames squad reflects Pasuwa’s intention to combine players competing in different leagues with established performers from Malawi’s domestic game.
Among the overseas-based players selected are Patrick Mwaungulu of TP Mazembe, Mayele Malango of Sacramento Republic FC, Charles Petro of Botosani, Mwisho Mhango of Hannover 96 and Lloyd Njaliwa of Caps United.
Pasuwa has also retained a strong domestic contingent, with players from clubs including Mighty Wanderers, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Silver Strikers, Blue Eagles and Civil Service United forming part of the squad.
The 30 players are divided into three goalkeepers, eight defenders, 10 midfielders and nine forwards, giving Pasuwa options across all areas of the pitch.
For the six debutants, the call-ups represent an opportunity to break into the senior national team as Malawi looks to build a squad capable of competing for qualification to the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Full Malawi Flames squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers
Goalkeepers
- William Thole — Simba Bhora
- George Chikooka — Silver Strikers
- Precious Masamba — Blue Eagles
Defenders
- Macdonald Rameck — Hard Rock FC
- Gomezgani Chirwa — Ngezi Platinum
- Dennis Chembezi — North Refineries
- Emmanuel Nyirenda — Mighty Wanderers
- Charles Petro — Botosani
- Blessings Mpokera — FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
- Peter Ng’ambi — Mighty Wanderers
- Ajussa Kalowa — Blue Eagles
Midfielders
- Blessings Kanowa — Nankatsu SC
- Yankho Singo — FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
- Oscar Petro — Civil Service United
- Washali Jaziya — Nankatsu SC
- Blessings Singini — Mighty Wanderers
- Lloyd Njaliwa — Caps United
- Mwisho Mhango — Hannover 96
- Festus Duwe — Silver Strikers
- Fransisco Madinga — Kansanshi Dynamos FC
- Jorden Kananga — Zacatepec FC
Forwards
- Babatunde Adepoju — Costa Do Sol
- Ephraim Kondowe — FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
- Chifundo Mpasi — Power Dynamos
- Richard Mbulu — Costa Do Sol
- Patrick Mwaungulu — TP Mazembe
- Gaddie Chirwa — Mighty Wanderers
- Wisedinho Mpinganjira — Black Bulls
- Mayele Malango — Sacramento Republic FC
- Shaquille Gwengwe — Newport County
- Adiel Kaduya — Mustangs University
With the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign approaching, Pasuwa will now have the task of turning this blend of youth, domestic talent and overseas experience into a competitive Malawi side.
The inclusion of six new faces signals that the Flames coach is prepared to widen his selection pool as Malawi targets a place at the next Africa Cup of Nations.
