After suffering defeat in their opening fixture, Malawi’s Scorchers responded in ruthless fashion with an emphatic 8-1 victory over Lesotho at Seshego Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Malawi set the tone early, racing into the lead in the third minute through a stunning long-range effort from Ireen Khumalo. Deborah Henry doubled the advantage in the ninth minute after a well-worked move initiated by Vanessa Chikupila, and just a minute later the same combination produced a third as Henry grabbed her second of the afternoon.
The Scorchers maintained relentless pressure, with Sarah Mlimbika briefly receiving medical attention midway through the half. In the 38th minute, Chikupila added her name to the scoresheet after being set up by Chikondi Gondwe, before Khumalo struck again from a direct free kick to make it five.
Henry completed her hat-trick just before halftime, finishing off another assist from Gondwe to hand Malawi a commanding 6-0 lead at the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Vitumbiko Mkandawire extended the lead in the 50th minute, while Olivia Phikani made it eight with a well-taken effort from a short corner in the 56th minute. Lesotho managed a consolation goal in the 72nd minute, but Malawi remained in control to seal a morale-boosting win.
Head coach Lovemore Fazili praised his players’ execution and intensity.
“The game was good because we have won with a greater margin, so I’m happy with the result. Much appreciation to the players because they did what we discussed during our training sessions,” said Fazili.
He added that the result provides vital momentum ahead of their final group match.
“The win will boost our morale going into the next game against Angola.”
Fazili also highlighted the impact of Vanessa Chikupila, who missed the opening match.
“Yes, we missed her in the first game. Today we managed to score six goals in the first half — she scored and assisted. With her around, we are going to do well and collect maximum points in the last game.”
The Scorchers will now face Angola on Tuesday in a decisive Group A encounter as they seek to keep their COSAFA Women’s Championship ambitions alive.
