Malawi Under-23 head coach Bob Mpinganjira has selected a 24-player squad for the two-leg CAF Africa Cup of Nations Under-23 qualifying tie against Eswatini.
The first leg will be played in Eswatini on 28 September 2026, with Malawi scheduled to host the return match at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on 6 October.
The squad is expected to gather in Blantyre on Thursday, 10 September, when preparations will begin for the two matches.
The winner of the tie will face Algeria in the second round of qualifying. A further progression would potentially set up a third-round meeting with the winner of a tournament involving Zimbabwe, Mauritius and Mali.
Mpinganjira has selected four goalkeepers, nine defenders, six midfielders and five forwards for the campaign.
Malawi Under-23 squad
Goalkeepers
- Precious Masamba (Blue Eagles) - Innocent Kaiwambi (Mzuzu City Hummers) - Julius Banda (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets) - Mayamiko Chisiwa (Chizumulu United)
Defenders
- Helmas Masinja (Ekhaya FC) - Happy Mphepo (Ekhaya FC) - Joseph Saiwa (Ekhaya FC) - Elias Muywanga (Karonga FC) - Edward Thengo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets) - Feston Botomani (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets) - Alex Kambiilinya (Mighty Wanderers) - Lameck George (Mighty Wanderers) - Kelvin Gondwe (Mzuzu City Hummers)
Midfielders
- Lusali Jali (Silver Strikers) - Matamando Matchipisa (Red Lions) - Levison Mnyenyembe (Ekhaya FC) - Sthera Muyira (Masters FC) - Godfrey Sibale (Karonga United) - Godfrey Kiokwa (Chitipa United)
Forwards
- Masambilo Kalua (Mighty Tigers) - Chifundo Makawa (Moyale) - Steve Nkhata (Creck) - John Nchema (Kamuzu Barracks) - Lucky Mkandawire (Moyale)
The opening match in Eswatini will be Malawi’s first opportunity to gain an advantage before the return fixture in Lilongwe eight days later. The two sides are competing for a place in the next stage of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Under-23 qualification process.
Should Malawi advance, Algeria will be the next opponent in the second round. The route could then continue into a third round featuring the winner of the contest involving Zimbabwe, Mauritius and Mali.