THE FOOTBALL Association of Malawi (FAM) has confirmed the upcoming friendly match against Rwanda’s Amavubi Stars scheduled for August 14.The Fifa international match is part of Flames’ preparations ahead of their make or break encounter against Super Eagles of Nigeria in World Cup qualifiers scheduled for September 7 in Calabar.While Eric Nshimiyimana’s team will also use it to prepare for the final Group H World Cup qualifier against Benin which will be played on September 8 in Porto Novo.FAM Chief Executive Officer, Suzgo Nyirenda said on Thursday that this country’s football governing body had finalised everything with their Rwandan counterparts. “The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) will take care of the hotel accommodation/meals and local transport for the 25 member-team that will travel to Kigali while FAM will only meet traveling expenses for its delegation,” Nyirenda was quoted in the Malawian press.Nyirenda said the Flames are expected to travel to Kigali on Sunday, August 11, and return home four days later.Though Rwanda has nothing to fight for in Group H following their exit from 2014 World Cup qualifiers, the Malawians hope the friendly match will give Flames’ new coach Tom Saintfiet an opportunity to try his tactics as the team prepares for the crucial encounter against the African champions.Saintfiet has already lost two games out of two since he took over the reigns a few weeks ago but he remains upbeat that he will lead Flames to victory against Nigeria and proceed to the world’s top soccer showpiece.Nigeria needs a draw to make it to last qualifying round, while the Flames need a straight win.
