The Flames included Mabedi and John Maduka of Santos who announced their retirement from international football after claiming they had been insulted by 'a top FA official' in the 33-man squad.

Maduka who recently joined Santos from relegated Bush Bucks and his Chiefs compatriot, Mabedi retired from the national team after Malawi's 1-4 loss to South Africa in last year's two legged final.

The players said they had decided to quit international football after being described as 'goats' by a top FA official who they did not name after Malawi's loss to South Africa in Blantyre in the first leg of the final.

But a meeting of the executive committee in Lilongwe last weekend revealed that the remarks were made by FA president John Zingale and he agreed to apologise to the players and ask them to return to the Malawi national team.

The executive committee meeting is said to have reprimanded Zingale who is under pressure to resign following a catalogue of accusations, mostly bordering on financial mismanagement and maladministration.

The two players are understood to be keen to return to the national team, particularly if Zingale's influence on the affairs of the FA is reduced.