The Malawi National Women’s Football Team triumphed over hosts Zambia 3-2 in an international friendly, reversing an early deficit. Goal scorers Rose Kabzere, Faith Chimzimu, and Sabina Thom led Malawi’s comeback in the second half. Coach Lovemore Fazili praised the performance, citing hopes for qualification in the Women’s African Cup of Nations.
In a thrilling international friendly match held in Lusaka on Tuesday, the Malawi National Women’s Football Team, known as the Scorchers, turned the tables on Zambia by overcoming a 2-0 deficit to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory. The match began with Zambia’s Rachael Kanandanji scoring an early goal in the sixth minute, putting the hosts in the lead. Despite this setback, Malawi demonstrated resilience and tactical skill to challenge Zambia’s Copper Queens.
Following halftime, Malawi surged forward, scoring three goals in a remarkable span of just 12 minutes. France-based forward Rose Kabzere initiated the scoring for Malawi in the 48th minute, followed by Faith Chimzimu who found the net in the 58th minute. Sabina Thom secured the team’s lead with a goal just two minutes later, showcasing the team’s effective offensive strategy.
As the match progressed, Zambia’s veteran Rachael Nachula managed to score in the 80th minute, reigniting hope for the hosts and making for an exhilarating finish. Malawi held strong in the final moments, successfully defending their lead during an additional nine minutes that followed a head collision among two Zambian players, leading to substitutions.
Captain Tabitha Chawinga, although not displaying her usual pace, played a crucial role by assisting Chimzimu’s second goal. Coach Lovemore Fazili expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting how the victory boosts their aspirations for qualifying for the Women’s African Cup of Nations in 2026. “The result is a true reflection of the match. I thank the players for the victory. Zambia are a big team and have given us a real test,” he remarked after the game.
Reflecting on a prior 2-0 defeat against Zambia, Coach Fazili acknowledged missed opportunities in that match as pivotal. “We had plenty of opportunities in the last match, but we didn’t use them,” he stated, clearly indicating a focus on improvement moving forward.
In conclusion, Malawi’s Scorchers made a remarkable comeback against Zambia, showcasing their determination and skill. This victory not only serves to enhance their confidence but also reflects their potential for future success in regional tournaments. Coach Lovemore Fazili’s insights emphasize the team’s commitment to continual improvement and readiness for upcoming challenges.
Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com
