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The Malawi national soccer side will jostle it out with Tunisia, Botswana and Chad in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations preliminary group qualifiers.

This follows a draw that was conducted in Lubumbashi, Southern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the weekend.

FAM Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Charles Nyirenda described group 11 in which the Flames lie as fair but was quick to point out that the other teams are no pushovers.

"Of course we are in a relatively fair group because of the way we performed during the just ended edition of the 2010 Nations Cup in Angola.

"However, we do not have to think that we are home and dry because of the reason that all our opponents failed to make it for Angola. I remember Chad lost at home 0-2 to Zambia and then forced the Chipolopolo to a draw in Lusaka which means they cannot be perceived as punch bags.

"You see Chad are not known very much because they are in a region inundated with very strong teams or in other way, they are sandwiched between footballing giants on the continent," said the CEO.

As for Tunisia, Nyirenda said the Carthage Eagles are building a new team and will likely come flat-out to make amends for their failure to show up for the Angola finals.

The CEO went on to say the Zebras of Botswana are also not a team to underrate having made tremendous improvement for the past couple of years.

Nyirenda added that the only way for the Flames to book themselves a place at the 2012 Nations Cup finals was to make smooth preparations before their preliminary games that are expected to start in September this year.

"We reached Angola after making good preparations and I believe if we can put an extra gear this time around, we can make it for the 2012 finals. We need to play a series of build-up matches with powerful opposition ahead of the Nations Cup qualifiers," he said.

Commenting on the draw, Coach Kinnah Phiri concurred with the CEO that the Flames are in an equally fair group.

The coach said he plans to meet FAM officials to map the way forward as regards to the preparations for the 2012 finals to be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Interestingly, the Flames were also pitted with Tunisia and Botswana in the 2006 edition of the competition. The Flames forced the Tunisians to a two-all draw at Kamuzu before losing out 0-7 away in Tunis. The Flames also lost both legs to Botswana 0-2 away and 1-3 at home.

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Flames in group 11 of 2012 Nations Cup

Malawi Under-20 poised to whip Tanzania

The Malawi Under-20 national soccer side is set to defeat visiting Tanzania in a game that is scheduled to take place at the giant Kamuzu Stadium in the commercial City of Blantyre this coming Saturday, 17th of April 2010.

Coach Franco Ndawa said his boys are poised to win the first leg tussle at all costs to brighten their chances of going further in the youth tournament.

"I am happy that the boys are responding well to training. Our aim is to hit the visitors where it pains most and I have got no doubt that my boys will achieve this feat," said a visibly relaxed Ndawa during one of the training sessions at the Kamuzu Stadium.

However, the former Red Lions coach called on soccer loving Malawians to converge to the stadium in their large numbers to give the junior Flames the much needed morale.

"You see in football the fans play a vital role to see us win the match so I call upon all soccer loving Malawians to come in droves and cheer us," said the coach whose influential player Tony Chitsulo concurred with him that the game on Saturday will be a must win for the home side to be in the comfort zone.

"The team spirit in camp is just fantastic and we are looking forward to deliver the much needed goods for our supporters to go back home smiling," said the hardworking player.

Coach Ndawa who is being assisted by Tigers F.C mentor Davie Mpesi in drilling the side is likely going to also throw into service Robin Ngalande from South Africa.

Other notable faces that are likely to make it into Ndawa's starting team include, Luka Milanzi, Innocent Jere, Chikondi Mpulula, Mike Kaziputa, Limbikani Mzava, Kondwani Lufeyo and Bongani Kaipa.

All in all the game promises thrills, spins and spills. It will be a marvel to watch.

Dave Mpesi drilling the U - 20 team