Malawi Under-20 Women’s National Team head coach Maggie Chombo has called on Malawians to rally behind the Young Scorchers ahead of the decisive FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Nigeria at Bingu National Stadium.
The Young Scorchers head into the crucial encounter with an impressive home record, having not lost a match at Bingu National Stadium during their qualification campaign.
Chombo expressed confidence in her side’s ability to overturn the first-leg deficit, emphasizing the importance of home support.
“The girls are ready and the mood in camp is very positive. Anything is possible in football, and I am very optimistic that we can win this game,” said Chombo.
Malawi has received a major boost with the availability of France-based forward Rose Kabzere, who plays for Montpellier, and Sweden-based Faith Chinzimu of BK Häcken.
Chombo also confirmed that goalkeeper Emily Nkhwazi, who sustained an injury during the first leg in Nigeria, has fully recovered and is available for selection.
Young Scorchers captain Laticia Chinyamula has assured Malawians that the team is fully focused on delivering a strong performance.
“We know what this match means to the nation, and as players we are ready to give everything on the pitch. We believe in ourselves, and we will fight until the final whistle,” said Chinyamula.
The Young Scorchers lost 2-0 to Nigeria in the first leg at Remo Stars Stadium and will now seek to overturn the result on Saturday in Lilongwe.
Malawi will, however, be without suspended centre-back Talandira Chinyamvula, who misses the match due to accumulated yellow cards.
