Three FCB Nyasa Big Bullets players have earned Malawi Under-23 call-ups for the first round of the 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations U23 qualifiers against Eswatini.
First-team defender Edward Thengo is joined by goalkeeper Julius Banda and defender Feston Botomani from the Bullets Reserves in Bob Mpinganjira’s 24-member squad.
Thengo has been part of the first-team setup, while Banda and Botomani have continued to feature for the Reserves. Their inclusion gives all three an opportunity to represent Malawi as the Flames begin their campaign for a place at the continental finals.
The first leg will be played in Eswatini on 28 September 2026, with Malawi hosting the return match at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on 6 October.
The squad is expected to assemble in Blantyre on Thursday, 10 September, to begin preparations for the two-legged assignment.
Malawi must overcome Eswatini to reach the second round, where Algeria await. Should the Flames progress further, they will face the winner of the pathway involving Zimbabwe, Mauritius and Mali in the third round.
The 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations U23 finals will be hosted by Egypt, with the tournament also serving as part of the qualification pathway for the 2028 Olympic Games.
For the three Bullets players, the assignment provides another opportunity to represent their country and gain valuable experience at U23 level.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets congratulates Edward, Julius and Feston on their call-ups and wishes them every success with the Malawi Under-23 national team.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers
Precious Masamba (Blue Eagles), Innocent Kaiwambi (Mzuzu City Hummers), Julius Banda (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets) and Mayamiko Chisiwa (Chizumulu United).
Defenders
Helmas Masinja, Happy Mphepo and Joseph Saiwa (Ekhaya FC); Elias Muywanga (Karonga FC); Edward Thengo and Feston Botomani (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets); Alex Kambiilinya and Lameck George (Mighty Wanderers); Kelvin Gondwe (Mzuzu City Hummers).
Midfielders
Lusali Jali (Silver Strikers); Matamando Mwatchipisa (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 Sporting Club); John Nchema (Kamuzu Barracks); Lucky Mkandawire (Moyale Barracks).
