The Malawi Under-20 Women’s National Team survived an early scare to advance to the third round of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers for the first time in history, following a 1–1 draw against South Sudan in Juba on Friday afternoon.
Maggie Chombo’s charges carried a 2–0 cushion from the first leg and needed only a draw to progress. But the Young Scorchers were made to work hard after conceding in the 33rd minute through a strike from Nyamam Atem.
Before that, Malawi had threatened twice, with Victoria Mkwala denied by the keeper and captain Leticia Chinyamula rattling the crossbar after being set up brilliantly by Olivia Phikani. Despite their efforts, the team went into the break trailing 1–0 on the day.
Rejuvenated after the restart, the Young Scorchers hit back just two minutes into the second half. Star forward Enelesi Fabiano, who was outstanding across the two legs, capitalized on a defensive mix-up to slot home the equaliser.
With the aggregate scoreline firmly in Malawi’s favour, Coach Chombo introduced fresh legs, withdrawing Mkwala and Fabiano for Faluna Umali and Anna Bazilio to manage the tempo. The match ended 1–1, giving Malawi a 3–1 aggregate win and a ticket to the next round, where they will face Guinea Bissau.
The result marks a milestone in the country’s women’s football as the Young Scorchers continue to grow in confidence and stature on the international stage.
LINE UP: Ireen Sibande 16,Maureen Keneth 2,Olivia Phikani 3, Asimenye Mwanyongo 13,Talandira Chinyamvula 5 Leticia Chinyamula 6, Funny Moyo 17, Sarah Mulimbika 18, Victoria Mkwala 10 Anna Baziliyo 11,) Enelesi Fabiano 14 (,Faluna Umali 7) Fatima Lari 21
UNUSED SUBS: Fortune Bwitubwitu 23, Emily Samuel 12, Linda Manda 8, Kondawo Banda 15, Grace Mkakangula 19
