Malawi’s Under-15 boys’ and girls’ national teams will this morning fight for bronze medals at the 2025 CAF African Schools Championship COSAFA Qualifiers in Cape Town, South Africa.
The girls’ team will face Zimbabwe at 9am, while the boys’ side will take on Eswatini at 10am, both at Idas Valley Stadium.
The boys lost 3-0 to Zambia, while the girls were beaten 2-0, results which ended Malawi’s hopes of qualifying for the continental finals, as only the COSAFA champions progress to the Africa stage.
Zambia will now face hosts South Africa in both the boys’ and girls’ finals later this afternoon.
Despite the setback, the Malawi teams remain determined to finish the tournament on a high.
Boys’ coach Joseph Malizani said the team is fully prepared for the third-place playoff.
“We are prepared. We have done all the necessary work and we are ready to secure the third-place victory against Eswatini,” he said.
Girls’ coach Bridget Chirwa acknowledged the tough challenge posed by Zimbabwe but expressed optimism.
“Zimbabwe is a good side, but we have prepared well and we are ready to fight for the bronze medal,” she said.
Malawi reached the semifinals after impressive victories over Lesotho and Botswana in the preliminary round.
Malawi Starting Lineups
Boys’ Starting XI:
Flightwell Msukwa, Elisher Nyirenda, Youngson Sikaona, Lameck Kamanga, Gift Santos, Daniel Kavala, Takudzwa Maluwe, Sipho Ngwira, Innocent Jauma, Mapopa Mkhata, Intias Adam.
Substitutes:
Prince Santos, Blessings Chatenga, Innocent Kim, Mayeso Lupiya, Jazaka Amidu, Rex Maiden, Mike Nkhata, Fortune Mthyola, Miracal Ndovie.
Girls’ Starting XI:
Christina Gift (GK), Takondwa Byford, Yankho Maliko, Yalandila Kachala (C), Jamilar Assan, Mary Mawindo, Flora Banda, Roselyn Utonga, Tryness Chawala, Menini Kapasule, Sifati Chitenje.
Substitutes:
Brenda Mombeya (GK), Febby Mwale (GK), Fenna Charles, Loveness Ledisoni, Princilla Lundu, Jennifer Harrison, Zione George, Bertha Kingsly.
