Ghana's Nations Cup opponents Malawi pull out of Uganda friendly

Published on: 10 August 2012

Malawi's preparation to face Ghana in next month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier has hit a snag after the Flames pulled out of a friendly against Uganda under controversial circumstances.

Malawi claim they called off the friendly game against Uganda on Thursday due to fears of the Ebola virus.

But earlier Federation of Uganda Federation Associations (Fufa) reported that the Flames withdrew because of financial constraints.

“They are telling us they are facing financial challenges. So it is true the game is off,” Fufa spokesperson Rogers Mulindwa, who dismissed talk that the game was called off due to Ebola fears,said.

But a statement from the Malawian federation on the game cancelation is clear in the reasons.

“The Football Association of Malawi (Fam) would like to inform you that the friendly match involving Malawi and Uganda which was slated for 15th August 2012 at Kamuzu Stadium has been cancelled,” read a statement signed by Fam general secretary Suzgo Nyirenda yesterday.

“(The cancellation was) on advice from the Government following the escalation of Ebola disease in Uganda.

“The Government has since advised FAM to identify another team which at the moment is not a health risk to our nation.”

Ebola hit the western district of Kibaale over two weeks ago claiming 16 lives by Wednesday.

Only one death of a clinical officer, who had treated infected patients in Kibaale, was reported in Kampala when the disease was first reported in Kibaale, which is hundreds of kilometres away from the city.

Malawi were looking to gauge themselves in this friendly ahead of the crucial Nations Cup assignment next month.

The Flames face Ghana away on September 8 in the first leg of the final qualification round to next year’s Nations Cup in South Africa.

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