The Malawi Under-17 Girls National Team are through to their first ever COSAFA U17 Championship after edging Mozambique 1-0 in a tense semi-final clash in Windhoek, Namibia on Friday afternoon.
Talandira Kachala was the hero of the day as she scored the only goal of the match to seal Malawi’s place in the last two where they will face Zambia.
Coach Chisomo Nkhoma made two changes to the starting XI that thrashed Comoros 6-0 on Tuesday, bringing in Ongani Masamba and Ethel Tambala, both of whom featured in Malawi’s 3-0 opener against Namibia in place of Chrissy Munthali and Tamandani Chilimba.
The opening 15 minutes proved difficult, with Mozambique applying early pressure and dominating possession in Malawi’s half.
Despite creating a few chances, Malawi struggled with finishing in the first half, with Ethel Tambala and Rebecca Banda both going close but unable to convert.
Coach Nkhoma made tactical substitutions at the 66-minute mark, introducing Tamandani Chilimba and Tryness Chawala.
With six minutes remaining on the clock and match destining for penalty shoutouts, midfielder Talandira Kachala broke the deadlock with a stunning goal from a direct free-kick, sealing the win for the Junior Scorchers
A triple substitution in stoppage time helped Malawi hold on to their lead, showcasing solid defensive discipline until the final whistle.
Speaking after the match, Nkhoma whose side has scored 10 goals in three matches and is yet to concede, praised her team’s resilience.
“I’m so delighted. I thank God and my players for this important victory. As expected, Mozambique gave us a tough game, but the girls stuck to the plan and earned us the win. It was a must-win to keep our dream of lifting the trophy alive,” she said.
Malawi will now face defending champions Zambia in the final on Sunday.
Zambia, who are appearing in their fifth COSAFA final, thrashed Zimbabwe 5-1 in the earlier semi-final.
LINE UP:
Dorothy Manda, Thokozani Enock, Talandira Kachala, Emily Samuel, Ongani Masamba (Chrissy Munthali 90+2), Rabecca Banda (Chisomo Mtelera 90+2), Ethel Tambala (Tryness Chawala 66′), Cecilia Mzima (Jacqueline Kamputa 90+2), Alinafe Nyirenda (Tamandani Chilimba 66′),Faluna Umali,Joyce Makweya (C).
