Fazili Remains Confident After COSAFA Opening Defeat

Malawi’s Scorchers head coach Lovemore Fazili remains confident in his team’s COSAFA Women’s Championship campaign despite starting with a loss against hosts South Africa at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

The match began at a high tempo, with both sides battling for early control. South Africa threatened with long balls into Malawi’s penalty area, but the Scorchers defence, led by Rose Alufandika, remained organised to contain the pressure. Malawi created promising moments through Bernadetta Mkandawire and Chimo Abanda, while Leticia Chinyamula also tested the goalkeeper from distance.

The first half ended goalless after a balanced contest in which both teams showed attacking intent but lacked precision in front of goal.

South Africa broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute after capitalising on a lapse in Malawi’s defensive line. Goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo had earlier produced a crucial save to keep the hosts at bay, but the sustained pressure eventually paid off for Banyana Banyana.

Malawi pushed forward in search of an equaliser and committed numbers in the final third, but the hosts added a second goal moments after the referee signalled three minutes of added time to seal the victory.

Head coach Lovemore Fazili said there were positives to take from the performance despite the outcome.

“The game was not bad. We played well and the first half was solid, but in the second half we conceded goals that could have been avoided,” said Fazili.

“We made simple mistakes that we should have handled better. These are areas we will correct in training.”

The Scorchers will now shift focus to their second Group A fixture against Lesotho on Saturday as they aim to bounce back in the tournament.

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