FULL TIME
South Africa 3 (Thubelihle Shamase 44’, Khensani Nkuna 79’, Sphumelele Shamase 90+3’)
Malawi 4 (Leticia Chinyamula, Temwa Chawinga 45+5’, 64’ 76’)
The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, The Scorchers have started the 2023 Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women’s Championship with a 4-3 victory over hosts South Africa in a thrilling encounter at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
Following the win the Scorchers are top of Group A with three points one match at par with eSwatini who claimed a 2-1 win over Madagascar in another Group A match.
Debutant Leticia Chinyamula scored the first goal for the Scorchers in the 27th minute of the match before player-of-the-match Temwa Chawinga scored a hattrick.
Thubelihle Shamase scored a brace for Banyana Banyana while Khezani Nkuna scored the other goal for the hosts.
Head coach Lovemore Fazili said the win has given his side an upper hand as they fight for a place in the semi-finals of the Cosafa Women’s Championship.
” I am happy with the performance of every player who participated. They played according to our plan. Our focus now shifts to the two matches against eSwatini and Madagascar and we will not underrate them,” Fazili said.
Despite conceding three goals, Fazili said the most important thing was the three points.
Fazili also heaped praise on Temwa for leading by example in the first game.
“She has shown that she is indeed an extra ordinary player. Temwa is very fast and focused on the pitch. She has inspired her teammates to do more,” Fazili said.
Up next for the Scorchers is a match against eSwatini at the same venue this Saturday before meeting Madagascar on Tuesday next week in their last Group A match.
Group winners and the overall best runner-up will advance to the semifinals of the Cosafa Cup.
Lineup: Mercy Sikelo, Patricia Nyirenda, Ireen Khumalo, Chimwemwe Madise, Bernadetta Mkandawire, Lyna James, Madyina Ngulube (Faith Chinzimu 87’), Rose Kabzere (Carolyn Mathyola 45’), Leticia Chinyamula (Vanessa Chikupira 45’).
