Malawi women’s football champions Ntopwa have been handed a tough draw in the 2023 Caf Women’s Champions League/Cosafa Qualifier slated for August 30 to September 8 in Durban, South Africa.
According to results of a draw which took place in South Africa Thursday, Ntopwa are in Group A alongside last year’s winners Green Buffaloes from Zambia, Double Action Ladies from Botswana and Lesotho Defence Force.
Ntopwa Director Isaac Jomo Osman described the group as tricky but said his charges are ready for their maiden appearance on the international stage.
“We are not intimidated. No room for too much respect. We will go there to surprise them. The good thing [is] we know how Zambian teams play and we can beat them,’’ Osman said.
Ntopwa will be the first Malawian team to take part in the qualifiers after FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women and Silver Strikers Ladies (formerly DD Sunshine) failed to take part in two previous editions.
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Meanwhile, Osman has appealed to the corporate world and individuals to support the team.
“We will represent Malawi; so, we need all the necessary support,” he said.
Buffaloes and Double Action have been taking part in the Caf Champions League/Cosafa Qualifiers as they participated in two previous editions whereas Lesotho Defence Force Ladies made their maiden appearance last year.
Group B comprises 2021 winners Mamelodi Sundowns, Olympic de Moroni from Comoros, Costa do Sol from Mozambique and Young Buffaloes from eSwatini.
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National Women’s Football Association Chairperson Adelaide Migogo said the tournament will be a good platform for exposing players.
“This is a good opportunity for the girls to showcase their skills. Ntopwa showed a lot of potential when they won the Fam national championship,” Migogo said.
Similarly, Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili said the tournament will be a good yardstick for Ntopwa.
“I am confident that the team will do well. They have assembled good players,” Fazili said.
According to Cosafa, the teams will face off in a round robin format, with two teams from each group advancing to the semi finals of the competition.
Group A winner will face the runner-up in the Group and vice-versa.
The winner will qualify for Caf Afcon finals to be staged from November 5 to 19 in Ivory Coast.
