Malawi National Women’s Football Team is in high spirits ahead of the semifinal clash with South Africa in the Cosafa Women’s Championship at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this afternoon.
This is a repeat of last year’s semifinal, where the Scorchers lost 6-2 at the same venue.
Malawi and South Africa met in an earlier Group A encounter which the Scorchers lost 2-1.
But the Scorchers re-organised to register wins over Mozambique and Angola to qualify for the last four as the best runner-up.
The odds are also stacked against the Scorchers this afternoon as they have never beaten South Africa in all six matches since the Cosafa Cup was introduced in 2002.
The Scorchers, who have never gone beyond the last four of the competition, are hoping to end South Africa’s dominance.
Interim coach McNebert Kazuwa said he knows that meeting South Africa is always a big challenge.
“I believe the players are ready to upset South Africa. We just need to attack with our usual style of a pressing and passing game. This time, we need to suprise the South Africans although we are underdogs,” Kazuwa said.
The Scorchers will welcome back exciting attacker Zainab Kapanda, who missed the match against Angola due to two yellow cards.
Goalkeeper Ruth Mhango is likely to keep her place ahead of Samir Amidu after a good performance against Angola.
Kazuwa will likely keep faith in Patricia Nyirenda, Chimwemwe Madise, Ruth Nyirongo and Ireen Khumalo whereas captain Madyina Ngulube will lead the midfield.
Upfront, Fazila Chiyembekezo and Asimenye Simwaka will likely take up their attacking roles.
The loser will play in a third place play-off.
Head to Head
2006: Malawi 0 South Africa 3
2011: South Africa 5 Malawi 1
2018: South Africa 6 Malawi 0
2019 Malawi 1 South Africa 3
2020: South Africa 6 Malawi 2
2021: South Africa 2 Malawi 1
