Malawi Under-20 Women’s National Team head coach Maggie Chombo has expressed confidence in her squad ahead of the first-leg clash against Nigeria in Ogun State, stating that the team is ready for the challenge.
“The girls are looking good for the match. They have responded well to every drill, the weather is just okay, and we are expecting a good match ahead,” said Chombo.
Chombo has called on Malawians to rally behind the Young Scorchers, emphasizing that facing Nigeria is a source of motivation rather than pressure.
“Meeting Nigeria does not give us pressure; it motivates both the technical panel and the players. It is a reminder that we have come from far to reach this stage, and that alone is an achievement,” she said.
“We are ready, and we would like to ask our fans to keep believing in us. We will not disappoint them,” she added.
In terms of team news, Chombo confirmed that all players are fit and available for selection ahead of the crucial encounter.
Malawi Under-20 have enjoyed an impressive run in the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, eliminating Central African Republic, South Sudan and Guinea-Bissau to reach the final round.
The Young Scorchers have scored 13 goals and conceded four, registering three wins and three draws in the campaign so far.
The first leg will be played at Remo Stars Stadium in Nigeria on Saturday, 2 May, with the return leg scheduled for Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday, 9 May.
The winner of the tie will secure qualification to the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
