The Malawi U20 women’s national football team has bowed out of the 2025 COSAFA U20 Women’s Championship after a 6-3 defeat to Zimbabwe in their final Group stages match on Tuesday in Namibia. The result leaves Malawi at the bottom of their group with just one point from three matches.
Malawi began their campaign with a goalless draw against tournament hosts Namibia before suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to Botswana. Despite scoring three goals against Zimbabwe, defensive lapses ultimately cost them any chance of progressing to the next round.
Zimbabwe took early control of the match, opening the scoring in the 9th minute through Dokozho Mpofu. Alicia Chinyoka netted twice in the 26th and 39th minutes, while Priviledge Mashanda, Plaxina Bandason, and Merian Genti added to the tally in the second half.
Malawi’s goals came from Faluna Umali, who found the net in the 36th minute, and Victoria Mkwala, who struck twice in the 61st and 69th minutes to offer a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging tournament.
Head coach Linda Kasenda acknowledged her team’s early struggles, particularly in the opening 45 minutes.
“We didn’t play well in the first half—we struggled with marking, passing, and there was a lack of coordination between the midfield and attack,” she said. “But in the second half, there was clear improvement.”
Despite the defeat, Kasenda refused to single out any players for criticism, instead framing the experience as a valuable learning opportunity for her young squad.
“It’s true the goalkeeper didn’t help us in some moments, but I can’t blame her. We lost as a team,” she added.
Looking ahead, Kasenda remains optimistic about the team’s future, stressing the need for more competitive exposure.
“It’s a promising group of players. What they need is more time and more opportunities to compete at this level,” she said.
Emily Nkhwazi,(Ireen Sibande 85′)Emily Gama samuel,Joyce Makweya, Thokozani Enock,(Alinafe Milanzi 35′)Talandira Chinyamvula,Faluna Umali,Viactoria Mkwala Anna Baziliyo,Enelesi Fabiano,Salah Mulimbika,Fatima Lali
Unused subs
Jacqueline Kamputa, Chikondi Benjamin, Jean Fyson, Grace Nkhunga
