Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has resolved to sack coach Meck Mwase ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

A statement from FAM says Romanian technical director Mario Marinica has since been appointed as the new coach for the Flames after impressing at the 2021 AFCON finals in Cameroon.

Marinica took charge of the team following the demotion of Mwase who secured the Flames a place at the 2021 AFCON finals but underperformed in the World Cup qualifiers to earn FAM’s wrath.

The Malawi FA arrived at its decision at a meeting it held over the weekend.

“The committee resolved to appoint Technical Director Mario Marinica as the Head Coach of the Malawi Men’s National Football. This was arrived at after the committee was impressed with the performance of the National team at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroun in January under Marinica as Caretaker Head of Technical Panel and resolved to give him full mandate.

“Marincia will cease to be the Technical Director and will sign a new contract for his new role in due course. Among others Marinica will choose his own backroom staff.

“Flames Coach Meck Mwase has been relieved of his duties and FAM will engage the Malawi Government on redeploying the former Flames Captain for the rest of his contract which expires in April next year.”

Marinica has since been replaced by Benjamin Kumwenda as the new TD.