FULL TIME
Malawi 1(Faith Chinzimu 27′) -1 Botswana (Laone Moloi 39′)
The Malawi National Women’s team on Wednesday afternoon played to a one-all draw against Botswana in their 2024 Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women’s Championship opening match, a repetition of the 2022 encounter between the two sides.
The Scorchers went into the match fully knowing that all eyes will be upon them following good run in last season when they clinched their maiden title will a 100 percent win record.
The Lovemore Fazili side started on a high note in the opening minutes building attacks from Asimenye Simwaka and Vanessa Chikupira and winning more corners.
But the two could not break through.
Faith Chinzimu found the back of the net in the 27th minutes striking in a Mary Chavinda’s short corner only for Laone Moloi to equalise five minutes to the end of the first half.
The second half of the match did not have much action from both ends.
Speaking after the game, Fazili said he was happy with his girls’ show in the first match but hinted that the team will have to score more goals in the remaining two goals if they are to proceed to the next phase of the competition.
“The game was tough and that’s what we expected that our opponent will be tough on us as defending champions.
“The players put in all the efforts and looking at the squad which is dominated by local players, the performance was very good.
“Looking at the coming games, we need to win with bigger margins because Madagascar already has more goals so and with the fact that only a winner will proceed to the knockout, we just have to score more,” said Fazili.
In another group B encounter earlier today, Madagascar defeated Mauritius 5-1 and they currently lead the group with three points while Botswana and Malawi are second and third respectively.
Only group winners will proceed to the knockout phase.
Lineup: Mercy Sikelo, Faith Chinzimu, Pilirani Malora, Patricia Nyirenda, Asimenye Simwaka, Lyna James, Vanessa Chikupira (Chisomo Banda 46′), Leticia Chinyamula, Mary Chavinda (Catherine Kachala 46′), Carolyn Mathyola (Sarah Mulimbika 67′), Bernadettar Mkandawire
