The Malawi National football team Coach, Meke Mwase, said his boys are ready as they start their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against South Sudan in their group B on Wednesday at Kamuzu stadium in Blantyre.

Speaking during the pre-match media conference on Tuesday at Mpira house in Blantyre, Mwase said with the coming in of the foreign based players he is confident that Flames will carry the day.

Meanwhile Yamikani Chester, John Banda, Gerald Phiri Junior, Gabadihno Mhango and Richard Mbulu have joined the camp.

Mwase said: “The day we have been waiting in our three weeks of preparations has come and we are ready for the game considering that our foreign based players are here and they are all fit for the game.”

Commenting on the absence of regular defenders, Precious Sambani and Charles Pedro, who will miss the game due to injuries, Mwase said it’s unfortunate that the two will be unavailable but was quick to emphasize that replacements are available for those positions.

On the other hand, Cameroonian coach for South Sudan, Ashu Cyprian Besong, said he is aware that Malawi has good players but he is not shaken considering that his side has also a squad with foreign based stars.

After the match against South Sudan, the Flames will travel to Kampala, to play Uganda for their second Group B match at Mandela National Stadium on Sunday.

Malawi last qualified for the Afcon finals in 2010 when it was hosted in Angola.