Four players who play in Mozambique's first division National Football Championship (Moçambola) have been called up to the Malawi national football team, a crucial stage of the qualifying campaign for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CAN), which will be held in Morocco. The call-up, made by coach Patrick Mabedi, aims to prepare the team for the double-header against Senegal, one of the continent's most powerful teams.
The squad includes standout players from the Moçambola, such as 31-year-old John Banda, an experienced midfielder who plays for União Desportiva do Songo, playing a key role for both his club and the Malawian national team. Two other midfielders called up are Yamikani Chester, 25, who currently plays for Costa do Sol, and his teammate Lloyd Njeliwa, also 25. The squad is rounded out by 25-year-old Richard Mbulu, a Costa do Sol forward.
The presence of these four Malawian players in Mozambican football reflects the growing importance of Moçambola in developing regional talent. Despite playing in Mozambique, they will all represent the Malawian "Flames" in the matches against Senegal.
These matches will be crucial for Malawi in its quest to qualify for the 2025 FIFA World Cup, and the contribution of these players, whose careers are being strengthened in Mozambican football, will be vital to the team's aspirations.
