Malawi National Women’s Football Team finished fourth at the FIFA Series in Kenya after suffering a 3-2 defeat to India on Wednesday afternoon at Nyayo Stadium.
The Scorchers put up a spirited performance but were twice forced to come from behind in a closely contested match. Ireen Khumalo and Deborah Henry found the net for Malawi, cancelling out earlier goals from Astam Oraon and Aveka Singh.
India, ranked 67th in the world, took the lead in the 18th minute through Oraon before Khumalo equalised in the 43rd minute. However, Singh restored India’s advantage in first-half stoppage time.
Malawi responded strongly after the break, with Henry levelling matters in the 60th minute, but Singh struck again in the 83rd minute to seal victory for India.
Head coach Lovemore Fazili attributed the defeat to complacency among his players.
“I think the game was not as tough compared to the match against Australia. Maybe some players took India for granted after seeing them lose to Kenya. The goals we conceded are not ones we are supposed to allow. That is what happens when you take things for granted. Finishing fourth is disappointing,” he said.
Despite the result, Fazili highlighted the importance of the tournament as part of preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, which will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“These are good preparations for WAFCON. We have learnt important lessons and we will be very careful in selecting players. We will pick those who are ready to deliver, regardless of where they play,” he said.
Malawi opened their campaign with a defeat to Australia before concluding the tournament with the loss to India.
LINE UP
23 MAULIDI Esther, 4 MADISE Chimwemwe ©, 5 MKANDAWIRE Vitumbiko (19 BANDA Chisomo 73′), 6 KABZERE Rose, 9 THOM Sabinah(10 MULIMBIKA Sarah 50′), 12 NGULUWE Madyina, 13 CHIPIKULA Vanessa (7 HENRY Deborah 33′), 17 CHINZIMU Faith, 18 KHUMALO Ireen, 21 ALUFANDIKA Rose, 22 MKANDAWIRE Bernadetta
UnusedSubs:
1 SIKELO Mercy, 2 PHIKANI Olivia, 3 DICKSON Doreen, 8 SANI Tendai, 14 CHAVULA Maggie, 15 CHINYAMULA Leticia, 16 KAWONGA Yamikani, 20 JAMES Lyna
