Malawi Women’s National Football Team head coach Lovemore Fazili has remained positive despite the Scorchers’ 1-0 defeat to Tanzania in an international friendly match played at the KMC Complex in Dar es Salaam, insisting the performance showed encouraging signs ahead of future assignments.
The Scorchers controlled large spells of the match and created several clear scoring opportunities but failed to convert. Tanzania scored the only goal of the match through captain Anastanzia Katunzi, leaving Malawi to rue missed chances despite a strong overall display.
Fazili said he was encouraged by his team’s attacking intent and ability to compete throughout the match, stressing that the result did not fully reflect the performance.
“The game was okay. I’m not very worried about the result because what makes me happy is that we managed to go forward and create a lot of chances. We also managed to hold them throughout the 90 minutes,” said Fazili.
He added that Malawi could have won the match had they been more clinical in the final third.
“It is 1-0, yes, but we could have won this game by maybe four or five goals,” he said.
Fazili also praised the team’s balance across all departments and singled out debutant Talandira Chinyamvula for an impressive first senior appearance.
The two teams will meet again on Saturday in another FIFA window international friendly match.
Starting XI
1 Mercy Sikelo, 4 Chimwemwe Madise, 5 Talandira Chinyamvula, 6 Rose Alufandika, 9 Sabina Thom, 11 Tabitha Chawinga (C), 13 Vanessa Chikupila (57′), 15 Letticia Chinyamula, 17 Faith Chinzimu, 18 Ireen Khumalo.22 Benedetta Mkandawire, 6 Rose Kabzere (57′)Unused subs
23 Esther Maulidi , 16 Yamikani Kaonga,2 Olivia Phikani, 12 Madyina Nguluwe,8 Chikondi Gondwe, 10 Lyna James,19 Vitumbiko Mkandawire, 20 Fatima Lali, 7 Deborah Henry , 3 Mary Chavinda, 14 Maggie Chavula.
