FULL TIME
Malawi 2 (Faluna Umali 10′ 74′) -4 Madagascar (Volana Andrianarison 14′ 36′ 90′, Angele Odilicia 38′)
The Malawi U17 Girls team on Saturday afternoon suffered a second defeat in the Cosafa U17 Girls Championship, after losing 4-2 to Madagascar, shattering their hopes of making it past the group Stage.
Going into the match, the girls knew that this was a must win game if they are to revive their dreams of making it to the knockout stage after losing to South Africa in the first encounter.
The team attacked from the start winning freekicks and corners and after five minded of play, Fatima Lali’s shot from a Faluna Umali corner kick was cleared by Madagascar goalkeeper .
Five minutes later, Umali put Malawi in the lead from a direct free kick only for Madagascar to equalise four minutes later.
Two quick goals were scored by Madagascar in space of two minutes at 36 and 38 minutes after Malawi’s loss of concentration at the back, prompting Coach Linda Kasenda to make three changes at 42 minutes taking out goalkeeper Esther Maulidi, Ruth Mandala and Victoria Mkwala for Ireen Sibande, Enelesi Fabiano and Chikondi Benjamin.
Umali scored the second goal for Malawi after beating goalkeeper Alda Fazitady who went in to clear the ball at 74 minutes reducing the gap between the two teams but Madagascar punished Malawi with a fourth goal at 90 minutes shattering the Junior Scorchers’ dreams of making it past group stage.
Kasenda said the girls lost concentration after the first goal .
“The girls started very well in the first 15 minutes hence getting the goal at 10 minutes but they lost concentration after Madagascar’s equaliser and we allowed them score three goals in the first half.
“The second half start was also good on our part but again, the girls lost concentration they were afraid of Madagascar since they looked more energetic than us.
“We should accept that we are out of the tournament and our game on Monday will just be for pride,” said Kasenda.
The loss means that Malawi U17 Girls are out of the race with a game to play. The girls can only finish third, if they win against Namibia on Monday as currently South Africa and Madagascar have six points each in group B.
South Africa defeated Namibia 5-0 on Saturday afternoon after beating Malawi 4-2 in the first match on Thursday.
Only group leaders and best second placed team will qualify to the semifinals.
Lineup: Esther Maulidi (Ireen Sibande 42′), Ruth Mandala (Enelesi Fabiano 42′), Joyce Sikweya, Thokozani Enock, Jacqueline Kamputa, Grace Khunga, Victoria Mkwala (Chikondi Benjamin 42′), Jean Fyson, Faluna Umali Alephar Chimbeta (Asimenye Mwanyongo 82′), Fatima Lali (Ethel Tambala 68′).
