The Malawi U20 National Women’s Team made a bold statement of intent in their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers campaign, defeating hosts South Sudan 2-0 in the first leg of the second preliminary round in Juba on Tuesday afternoon.
Goals from Enelesi Fabiano in the first half and Sarah Mulimbika in the second sealed a vital away victory for the Young Scorchers, who will face the same opponent in just 72 hours for the decisive return leg.
Head Coach Maggie Chombo Sadik set her team up in a 1-4-4-1-1 formation, signaling an attacking approach from the onset. South Sudan settled quicker but failed to trouble Malawi’s defence, forcing Chombo to adjust early by introducing Victoria Mkwala for Kondawo Banda in the 33rd minute — a tactical substitution that changed the game’s complexion.
Just four minutes later, Mulimbika burst down the left flank and delivered a precise cross that Fabiano converted with composure, rounding the goalkeeper to break the deadlock. Malawi carried the slender lead into halftime.
In the second half, the Young Scorchers dominated possession and created more chances, eventually doubling their advantage in the 63rd minute through Mulimbika, who capped a fine performance with a well-taken strike.
The 2-0 result delighted Chombo, who praised her players for overcoming early nerves:
“The girls were nervous in the first half but came back strongly and followed instructions. This gave us important away goals and a crucial win.”
Malawi will face South Sudan again on 26 September in Juba, with the aggregate winner advancing to the third round to face Guinea Bissau.
Line ups: ( Ireen Sibande,Maureen Keneth, Olivia Phikani, Asimenye Mwanyongo, Talandira Chinyamvula, Leticia Chinyamula, Funny Moyo,Sarah Mulimbika, Kondawu Banda ( VictoriaMkwala 33′), Enelesi Fabiano, Fatima Lali
Unused Substitutions
Fortune Bwitubwitu, Emily Samuel, Linda Manda,Anna Baziliyo, Grace Mkakangula)
