COACH Ki n n a h P h i r i  h a s downplayed the team's spate of draws in recent games and says Malawi will triumph in Saturday's encounter against Kenya in World Cup Group F tie.

The Flames were held to a barren draw by Taifa Stars in an international friendly over the weekend before another one-all stalemate against Islanders Zanzibar.

The coach said the games against Tanzania and Zanzibar were build-up matches and the results do not reflect anything.

"We have be en the r e t o enable domestic players blend in with the professionals besides acclimatising since the weather there is just similar to Kenya," he said.

He, however, acknowledged that he was under pressure to win the game against Kenya.

"We are used to big games, we are relaxed and have come to play and you should expect a good display from us."

"Kenya is a good side with some good players but the best thing we have done is to bring with us some youthful players and make sure that they perform," the coach told Kenya media.

The coach will miss some key players like captain Peter Mponda, Atus aye Nyondo, Chiukepo Msowoya, Robert Ng'ambi and Esau Kanyenda.

In their absence, the coach is expected to start Simplex Nthala in goals with Moses Chavula, James Sangala, Foster Namwela and Limbikani Mzava in defence.

In the midfield, he will rely on Dave Banda, Joseph Kamwendo, Frank Banda and John Banda while upfront he has Robin Ngalande and Russell Mwafulirwa at his disposal.

He might throw in Zicco Mkanda, Chimango Kayira, Jimmy Zakazaka and Ndaziona Chatsalira as substitutes.