The Flames of Malawi went into a scare when their South Africa based striker Atusaye Nyondo was carried off the pitch during training ahead of their 2014 World Cup qualifier against hosts Harambee Stars late on Thursday.

The SuperSport United forward twisted his ankle when he was caught in a hole during the team's first practice session and remains a major doubtful in a team that travelled with only 20 players due to injuries.

Head coach Kinnah Phiri immediately tore into the training grounds in Nairobi that the team was offered for their session in the suburb estate of Karen as well as arrangements set out for them by Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

"This ground is not good for training with its tall grass and uneven surface, we actually had our striker limp off the field after he tripped into one of the holes."

"We came with a squad of 20 since the rest are still recuperating after taking part in their grueling league matches and will have to wait the decision from the team doctor on his fate," Phiri charged.

"Kenya and Malawi have cordial relations and it's not fair for them to play mind games. Those are more prevalent in teams from North and West Africa but not among our neighboring nations."

Malawi who arrived on Wednesday are already without their captain Peter Mponda who was left behind injured.

"I don't know whether your federation has a parallel set of groups running it since one person comes and talks to us then disappears before another comes and pretends to be in charge," Phiri noted.

FKF Technical Director Patrick Naggi absolved the federation from blame citing the heightened state of security mounted in the country following a spate of terrorist attacks from outlawed Somali group Al Shabaab.

"We admit there are certain logistical challenges which I attribute to the security concerns from the government after the recent attacks in the city," he explained.

Malawi moved to the nearby Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Karen campus for their afternoon training session before getting the feel of the match venue at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Friday afternoon.

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