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FORMER CAPS United and Malawi veteran midfielder Joseph Kamwendo believes it is possible to beat the Warriors in their own backyard when the two teams meet in a Group L African Cup of Nations crunch tie at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The Flames are bottom of the log with only two points but they are still confident that they can get their first victory this weekend.

Kamwendo told the Malawi media that they just need a positive attitude to cause an upset.

Malawi are coming from a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Guinea and they are fighting for a respectable finish in the last two games.

“We will release our energies and be more positive, get the attitude right and try to win the match.

“There is very little you can do in terms of being better than you were yesterday but I am optimistic we will get a result,” he said.

The former Green Machine player, who was part of the 2004 class which won the local league title under Charles Mhlauri, also spoke of the team’s heartache after a bad start in the qualifiers, where qualifying for Gabon is now more of a dream.

“The players are feeling down, and it’s normal but we are all professionals and it happens in football. We are all looking forward to Sunday’s game and we have to lift ourselves up again mentally and physically more so because the results in the last games were not good enough.

“The players know the importance of the match on Sunday, so we have to stay focused. We let our families, the supporters and the whole country down so it’s time for us to start winning games and make everyone happy again.

“There’s a lot of pride to play for because you don’t want to lose to your neighbours. Also, there’s still a lot to play for,” said Kamwendo.

Meanwhile, Football Association of Malawi president Walter Nyamilandu has also urged the Flames to fight for a victory against Zimbabwe on Sunday.

He rallied his troops on Tuesday when the Flames were presented with a cash boost of Kwacha 50 million for the match against the Warriors as well as the COSAFA Games.

“Take this game very seriously because it will be a game changer for you.

“Walk the talk and take the bull by the horn, the country is expecting a good result after failing to register a win in this Nations Cup campaign.

“Zimbabwe might be considering you as underdogs but go and surprise them.

“If you win against Zimbabwe, then it will boost your morale for the COSAFA tournament.

“Show that the team’s rebuilding exercise is a success by beating Zimbabwe and winning the COSAFA title,” he said. — Nyasa Times/Sports Reporter.