The former Chiefs skipper has made the shock decision to omit Swallows’ Gabadinho from the Malawi’s Flames contingent.
Mabedi has made the unpopular decision despite that the former Orlando Pirates player is recapturing form.
Gabadinho is not just the only surviving Malawi’s Flames player in the DStv Premiership at the moment.
The 30-year-old is also a Malawi football poster boy. It is all down to his big match temperament and scoring exploits.
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MABEDI NOT BOTHERED BY STARS
However, Mabedi, who has been signing rebuilding songs, is not bothered by Gabadinho’s reputation.
The former Chiefs defender has dropped Gabadinho from the Flames’ 27-member squad to host Guinea on Saturday, September 9 2023.
WELCOMING NABY KEITA AND COMPANY
Mabedi welcomes Naby Keita and company in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) dead-rubber in Lilongwe.
The former Swallows defender has since recalled striker Richard Mbulu, formerly of Baroka FC, and ex-TS Sporting’s Chawanangwa Kaonga.
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BLACK LEOPARDS KEEPER MAKES FLAMES SQUAD
The squad comprises Black Leopards goalkeeper Brighton Munthali as the only PSL-based player.
Captain John Banda has also crawled his way back into the fold ahead of the academic match.
Malawi, with four points, stand no chance of qualifying to the 2023 AFCON finals in Ivory Coast even if they beat Guinea.
MABEDI AND GOSPEL OF REBUILDING
Nonetheless, Mabedi wants to use the game to continue preaching his gospel of rebuilding.
This gospel has cost regulars Gabadinho, Stein Davie, Yamikani Chester, Charles Thom, Khuda Muyaba, Chikoti Chirwa, Charles Petro, Gomezgani Chirwa and Gerald Phiri Junior places.
Mabedi replaced Mario Marinica in April this year and remains unbeaten in seven consecutive games across all competitions.
The Sly Nationale have nine points and booked their final place alongside group leaders, Egypt.
The Pharaohs, who have 12 points, host eliminated Ethiopia in another formality duel.
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MALAWI FULL SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Brighton Munthali (Black Leopards), Clever Mkungula ( FCB Nyasa Big Bullets), Austin Chirambo (FCB Nyasa Reserves)
Defenders: Stanley Sanudi, Lawrence Chaziya (Mighty Mukuru Wanderers), Mark Lameck (Blue Eagles FC) Nickson Mwase, Tatenda M’balaka (Silver Strikers), Blessings Mpokera (FCB Nyasa Bullets) Yamikani Mologeni (Bangwe All Stars) Daniel Chimbalanga (MAFCO), Chembezi Denis (unattached).
Midfielders: Robert Gomez Saizi (Bangwe All Stars), Lanjesi Nkhoma, Frank Willard, Peter Banda (FCB Nyasa Bullets), Lloyd Aaron (Civil Service United), Chikondi Kamanga (Silver Strikers) Wongani Lungu (Ekwendeni Hammers) Chrispine Mapemba (FCB Nyasa Reserves), Wisdom Mpinganjira, Francisco Madinga (Mighty Mukuru Wanderers).
Strikers: Christopher Kumwembe (Mighty Mukuru Wanderers) Adiel Kaduya (Silver Strikers) Chawanangwa Kaonga (Zanaco) Richard Mbulu (Costa dol Sol).