The Malawi Under-17 Girls’ National Football Team finished as runners-up at the 2025 COSAFA Championship after a 3-0 defeat to Zambia in the final held in Windhoek, Namibia.
Coach Chisomo Nkhoma made four changes to the starting lineup, bringing in Tryness Chawala, Chisomo Mtelera, Juliet Kalua, and Jacqueline Kamputa in place of semi-final goal-scorer Talandira Kachala, Ethel Tambala, Alinafe Nyirenda, and Cecilia Nzima.
Malawi suffered an early setback when key defender Ongani Masamba was stretchered off due to injury and replaced by Chrissy Munthali.
Zambia struck twice in quick succession, with tournament standout and captain Ruth Mukoma opening the scoring in the 22nd minute, followed by Natasha Kasema just five minutes later. Zambia sealed their dominant first half with a third goal in added time.
The second half saw a much-improved performance from Malawi. Substitutions brought in Kachala, Nyirenda, and Tamandani Chilimba, helping the team gain more control and create several chances, though they struggled to convert.
In a rare change, Coach Nkhoma also substituted her starting goalkeeper, who had played every match in the tournament, due to an injury sustained in a collision. She was replaced by Bridget Afiki, who helped keep Zambia from scoring again.
Despite the loss, Malawi held their ground in the second half, demonstrating resilience and discipline.
Speaking after the match, Coach Nkhoma praised her squad for their historic achievement:
“It was a tough game. We lacked confidence in the first half, which cost us. But I’m proud of the girls’ fighting spirit in the second half where we didn’t concede. This was our first time reaching the final, and I want to thank the players for making the nation proud.”
Malawi’s journey to the final, scoring 10 goals and conceding just three in the group and knockout stages, marks a significant milestone for women’s football in the country.
Malawi Line up: Dorothy Manda (Bridget Afiki 60′), Thokozani Enock, Ongani Masamba (Chrissy Munthali 18′), Emily Samuel,Joyce Makweya, Jacqueline Kamputa (Alinafe Nyirenda46′), Juliet Kalua (Talandira Kachala 46′),Tryness Chawala (Tamandani Chilimba 46′), Chisomo Mtelera, Rabecca Banda, Faluna Umali.
