Malawi National Football Team Suffers Blow as Chikumbutso Salima Withdraws Due to Injury
Malawi's hopes of making it to the FIFA World Cup 2026 received a setback as FCB Nyasa Big Bullets winger, Chikumbutso Salima, was forced to withdraw from the national team squad due to an injury sustained during a league match.
The 23-year-old winger, who has been instrumental for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets this season with nine goals and eight assists, was stretchered off in the 78th minute of the team's 2-1 victory over Silver Strikers at Kamuzu Stadium after being tackled by Silver Strikers and Flames goalkeeper George Chikooka in the build-up to the penalty he won.
Hassan Kajoke converted from the spot to inspire The People’s Team to a hard-fought victory over the Central Bankers. Before the injury, Salima was among the three FCB Nyasa Big Bullets players called up by Flames head coach Kalisto Pasuwa for the October World Cup qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe.
"We also have Chikumbutso Salima. He got injured last week when he played a league match in Blantyre. So again, he is not part of the team for the two games," Pasuwa told the press during his pre-match conference on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's clash against Equatorial Guinea at Bingu National Stadium.
This is the second time Salima has missed Flames games, having also been ruled out of last month's match against Liberia due to illness. The winger has four senior national team caps and last featured for the Flames at the COSAFA Cup tournament in June in South Africa.
With Salima's withdrawal, Yankho Singo and Babatunde Adepoju are the only two FCB Nyasa Big Bullets players remaining in the Flames camp for this month's qualifiers. After Thursday's home fixture, The Flames will travel to Tunis to face São Tomé and Príncipe next Monday.
Salima's injury is a significant blow to the Malawi National Football Team as he has been in top form for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets this season. His absence from the squad is a challenge that the team will have to overcome if they are to make a strong showing in the World Cup qualifiers.
The injury also highlights the importance of key players for both their clubs and national teams. It is a reminder of the challenges that come with managing injuries in football and the impact they can have on team performance, especially during crucial matches such as the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Salima's injury also raises questions about the role of goalkeepers in football and their impact on the game. Chikooka's tackle on Salima resulted in an injury that ruled him out of the qualifiers, highlighting the importance of goalkeepers being careful with their challenges to avoid causing injuries to opposing players.
Despite Salima's absence, the Flames remain hopeful of making it to the FIFA World Cup. The team has shown resilience in the past, and with the remaining FCB Nyasa Big Bullets players in the squad, they are determined to make the most of the situation and give their best performance in the qualifiers.
As the Flames prepare to face Equatorial Guinea, they know that they will have to put in a strong performance to keep their World Cup hopes alive. With Salima out of the squad, the team will have to rely on the form and results of their other players to secure a victory and keep their dreams of making it to the World Cup alive.
The Malawi National Football Team's World Cup qualifying journey continues as they face Equatorial Guinea on Thursday at Bingu National Stadium. Let us all support them as they strive to make it to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates on the Malawi National Football Team and the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Play Now on Premier Bet and stand a chance to win big.
Summary: Chikumbutso Salima, a pacey winger for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, has withdrawn from the Malawi National Football Team (Flames) squad for the October World Cup qualifiers due to an injury sustained during a league match. The 23-year-old player has four senior national team caps and last featured for the Flames at the COSAFA Cup tournament in June. His withdrawal from the squad means that Yankho Singo and Babatunde Adepoju are the only two FCB Nyasa Big Bullets players remaining in the Flames camp for this month's qualifiers.
