The Malawi Under 20 Women’s National Team, the Young Scorchers, moved a step closer to historic qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after defeating Guinea Bissau 5–1 at Bingu National Stadium on Saturday.
The emphatic victory secured Malawi’s passage to the final round of the qualifiers with a 6–2 aggregate score, following a 1–1 draw in the first leg at Estádio 24 de Setembro in Bissau last week.
Malawi required a win of any margin to progress but delivered a dominant second half performance to seal qualification in style. The result leaves the Young Scorchers just 180 minutes away from booking a place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals to be staged in Poland later this year. They will now face either Nigeria or Senegal in the final qualifying round.
The match began on a difficult note for the hosts as Ramarana Bali gave Guinea Bissau an early lead in the second minute. However, Malawi responded swiftly, with Alinafe Milanzi restoring parity four minutes later. The sides went into the break level at 1–1 after a balanced first half.
The Young Scorchers returned with renewed purpose after the interval. Victoria Mkwala put Malawi ahead in the 53rd minute to spark the turnaround. Substitute Fatima Lali then stole the spotlight, scoring twice after coming on for Anna Baziliyo. She extended the lead in the 71st minute before sealing the victory deep into stoppage time. Mayamiko Mkandawire also found the net in the 83rd minute to cap an impressive second half display.
In a post match interview, head coach Maggie Chombo attributed the transformation to a half time pep talk.
“In the first half the girls were afraid, but I told them to play our usual game. It was an improved performance in the second half,” said Chombo.
She described the win as a significant morale booster ahead of the decisive final round.
“We need to keep the girls active before facing Nigeria or Senegal. If possible, we will arrange a friendly match before the final round,” she added.
Guinea Bissau coach Joao Domingos Loa NaFatcha admitted his side squandered key opportunities in the first half.
“We wasted several chances in the first half, but it was a fair result,” he said.
The 12th edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals will run from 5 to 27 September 2026 in Poland.
