CHAN Qualifier: Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa beefs up squad with seasoned striker Katinji

Photo Credit: Silver Strikers FC/Facebook

Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa has summoned experienced Silver Strikers forward Binwell Katinji to beef up the Flames squad for Sunday’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying play-off against Comoros.

Pasuwa was under scrutiny after dropping many experienced players, including last season’s Golden Boot Award winner Isaac Kaliati, his Mighty Wanderers team-mate Stanley Sanudi and Silver Strikers midfielder Chimwemwe Idana.

The Zimbabwean, who was handed the permanent role weeks ago replacing Patrick Mabedi, seemed to have taken heed of calls for the inclusion of more experienced players with the recall of Katinji. The forward last featured for the Flames in 2017 when he scored in a two-all draw against Chinese club side Guangzhou in an exhibition match. 

The striker will join Silver Strikers teammates including goalkeeper George Chikooka, defenders McDonald Lameck, Nickson Mwase, Washali Jaziya, Maxwell Paipi and midfielders Zebron Kalima and Uchizi Vunga.

Katinji, who only scored five league goals last season, has joined the strike force comprising Ephraim Kondowe, Allen Chihana (Karonga), Olson Kanjira (Kamuzu Barracks) and Saviel Emmanuel (Ekhaya).

The Flames face Comoros at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Sunday then again at the same venue in the reverse fixture on February 8, 2025, following the request of the islanders who do not have a certified venue.

The winner of that match will face the winner between South Africa and Egypt in May for a place at the CHAN finals hosted by East African nations Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.