The Malawi national soccer team safely arrived in Francistown, Botswana, last night, ahead of Saturday’s 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers preliminary round first leg match against the Zebras.

The team is lodging at Cresta Marang Gardens which is less than 10 minutes-drive from Francistown city center.

The boys were supposed to have a loosening session after their breakfast today before conducting their first training session at Francistown Sports Complex at 10 am and another one will follow at 4pm at the same venue.

The Flames, which left yesterday through Kamuzu International Airport with a squad of 19 players, including five foreign based professionals, was joined by Orlando Pirates forward, Gabadinho Mhango, at OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa bringing on board the number of foreign based players to 6.

The other foreign based players in Flames camp include Yamikani Chester-North Carolina FC (USA), John Banda-Ferraviaro de Nampula (Mozambique), Robin Ngalande-Zira FK (Azerbaijan).Gerard Phiri and Richard Mbulu both from Baroka FC (South Africa).

In the squad of local players, head coach Meke Mwase has included 8 players from Nyasa Big Bullets, 3 from Mighty Be Forward Wanderers while Silver Strikers and Blue Eagles have contributed 1 player each.

The game between the two sides is scheduled for Saturday, September 7 at Francistown stadium.

The return match will be played here at home on Tuesday, September 10 at Kamuzu stadium in Blantyre.