Ivory Coast-born striker Yann Kouakou justifies Malawi switch

Little-known Ivory Coast-born striker Kouadio Yann Kouakou has shed light on his surprise decision to represent Malawi’s Flames.

The France-based forward has joined the national team camp in Blantyre ahead of a double-header against Lesotho on Saturday and on Tuesday in South Africa.

The 26-year-old told the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) media that he has strong connection with the Flames as his father was born in Malawi.

 “I am very excited to join the squad. My father was born in Malawi and everything is about Malawi but we had some difficulties. Now we stayed in contact with the federation then I was called,” he said.

Kouakou also gave a hint about his style of play, saying he was more of a number nine than a number 10.

“I was a midfielder since I played in Paris youth academies, but when I became professional, I became a striker. Not a kind of a striker to stay in the box, but to try to play,” he added.

The selection of the Gibraltar-based forward, who spent the better part of his professional football career in France, is part of FAM’s strategy to integrate players with Malawi roots into the Flames.

Who else has switched to play for Malawi?

Malawi coach Kalisto Pasuwa also handed debuts to Nigeria-born Babatunde Adepoju and the DR Congo-born Mayele Malango creating a pool of attacking talent to select from.

The America-based Mayele spent 10 years at a refugee camp in Malawi. It was on that premise that the 28-year-old made Malawi his home.

FAM also granted Adepoju, a cult-hero with Malawi serial champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, his wish to represent the Flames. He has featured in two games so far and is also part of the current squad.

Kouakou plays for Europa Point FC in Gibraltar. He began his professional career in the youth ranks of SD Huesca after training in France.

He eventually moved to Red Star B reserve team in Austria followed by stints in Italy, Andorra, Poland, Sweden and Romania where he was on the books of third division side CSU Alba Iulia.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.