Malawi’s Young Scorchers suffered a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in the first leg of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers for Poland 2027, played at Remo Stars Stadium in Ogun State.
The hosts dominated the second half, breaking the deadlock in the 46th minute through an own goal by Maureen Kenneth before Kindness Ifeanyi doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 57th minute.
The two quick goals shifted momentum firmly in favour of the home side.
Despite the result, the Young Scorchers showed resilience, particularly after the interval, as Head Coach Maggie Chombo made tactical adjustments in search of a breakthrough being in Fatima Lali and Enelesi Fabiano for Victoria Mkwala and Anna Baziliyo However, Nigeria managed to control key moments and limit Malawi’s attacking threat.
Malawi’s game play was further disrupted in the 57th minute when goalkeeper Emily Nkhwazi picked up an injury and was forced off, with Esther Maulidi coming on as her replacement.
Speaking after the match, Chombo remained positive about her team’s prospects ahead of the return leg in Lilongwe.
“It was a good game and we gave away a goal which distracted our focus. They managed to score two goals at home, and we also have home advantage. We believe we can do the same,” she said.
She also called on supporters to rally behind the team as they get set for the decisive second leg.
Malawi will host the return leg on 9 May at Bingu National Stadium, where they will need a strong performance to overturn the two-goal deficit and keep their World Cup qualification hopes for Poland 2027 alive.
Starting XI: 
Emily Nkhwazi, Maureen Kenneth, Talandira Chinyamvula, Alinafe Milanzie, Olivia Phikani, Leticia Chinyamula, Linda Manda, Sarah Mulimbika, Victoria Mkwala (56’), Anna Baziliyo (56’), Mayamiko Mkandawire.
Substitutes Used:
Eneles Fabiano (56’), Fatima Lali (56’), Esther Maulidi (57’).
