Limited game-time has cost South Africa-based star striker Gabadinho Mhango a place in Malawi’s squad for the dead-rubber World Cup qualifying matches against Mozambique and Cameroon later this month.

The striker, who has not featured for Orlando Pirates for over a month due to injuries, is a notable exclusion in the squad which Flames coach Meke Mwase has released on Saturday.

Mwase has since drafted in the squad the TNM Super League Golden Boot awardee Hassan Kajoke whereas injured defender Chembezi Denis has paved the way for Mighty Wanderers’ left-back Francis Mlimbika.

Another notable inclusion in the squad is Moyale Barracks striker Lloyd Njaliwa.

Malawi host Cameroun at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on November 13 then take on neighbours Mozambique in Benin on November 16.

Malawi lost 2-0 in Cameroon then beat Mozambique 1-0 in first-leg matches.

The Flames are out of the race for Group D as they have three points from four games, lying on third place one point ahead of bottom-placed Mozambique.

Ivory Coast lead the table on 10 points, one point ahead of Cameroon.

Full squad.

Goalkeepers: Brighton Munthali (Silver Strikers), Richard Chipuwa (Be Forward Wanderers), Ernest Kakhobwe (Nyasa Big Bullets).

Defenders: Stanley Sanudi (Be Forward Wanderers), Peter Cholopi (Be Forward Wanderers), Nickson Mwase (Silver Strikers), Limbikani Mzava (AmaZulu), Francis Mulimbika ( Be Forward Wanderers), Charles Petro (Sheriff Tiraspol), Gomezgani Chirwa (Nyasa Big Bullets).

Midfielders: Chikoti Chirwa (Red Lions), Peter Banda (Simba SC), Chimwemwe Idana (Nyasa Big Bullets), Micium Mhone (Blue Eagles), John Banda (UD Songo) Yamikani Chester (Be Forward Wanderers), Gerald Phiri Jnr (Baroka FC), Tawonga Chimodzi (Silver Strikers), Mike Mkwate (Polokwane FC), Francisco Madinga (FC Dila Gori)

Strikers: Hassan Kajoke (Nyasa Big Bullets) Richard Mbulu (Baroka FC), Lloyd Njaliwa (Moyale Barracks), Khuda Muyaba (Polokwane FC)