Scorchers aim to upset hosts Banyana Banyana
Malawi national women’s football team steps onto the natural turf of Wolfson Stadium this afternoon with a mission to reach the final of the Cosafa Women’s Championship.
The Scorchers are hoping for their first ever final appearance in the regional showpiece which kicked off last week.
It has taken nine years for Malawi to reach this far and they are itching to make it to the final on their second attempt.
The McNebert Kazuwa-coached side defied the odds to finish top of Group B with six points after 9-0 and 1-0 victories over Lesotho and Zambia, respectively.
The Scorchers have a score to settle against Banyana Banyana, a side they have never beaten in all competitions.
Since introduction of the regional tournament in 2002, Malawi and South Africa have met four times with the latter winning all encounters.
Scorchers and Banyana Banyana also met at the same stage in 2011 with South Africa beating Malawi 5-1 to set up a final tie against Zimbabwe who went on to win the competition.
During the 2006 edition of the competition in Zambia, South Africa defeated Malawi 3-0 to underline their superiority.
The 2018 and 2019 editions of the contest saw the two teams being paired together in the group stages but South Africa also triumphed.
In 2018, South Africa thrashed Malawi 6-0 at Wolfson Stadium before winning again 3-1 during the 2019 edition at the same venue.
However, Kazuwa remains optimistic of getting a positive result this afternoon.
“We want to play attacking football. We also believe in playing an entertaining game. We have rectified the shortfalls we noted in the first two games and the girls are geared for a great show,” he said.
On the other hand, Banyana Banyana Coach Desiree Ellis said her charges would be in top form against the Scorchers but was quick to acknowledge the threat posed by the Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha.
“Of course the Chawinga sisters are in top form but we will do our own analysis of what we need to do. We just need to plan for the match,” she said.
Ellis was speaking after Malawi edged Zambia courtesy of Tabitha’s strike to set up a tie with her team.
Kazuwa will likely maintain the line-up which triumphed against Lesotho and Zambia in the group stages.
The back four of Patricia Nyirenda, Emily Josam, Chimwemwe Madise and Ruth Nyirongo is expected to provide cover to Samir Amidu who is yet to concede a goal in the competition.
Exciting midfielder Madyina Nguluwe, Zainab Kapanda, Asimenye Simwaka and Sabina Thom will be tasked with the role of pulling the strings in midfield, with the Chawinga sisters leading the frontline.
To make this tie even more interesting, Tabitha and South Africa’s Sibulele Holweni will engage in a showdown for the top goal scorer’s slot.
The two strikers have six goals each and are eyeing the golden boot award.
In an early kickoff, Botswana will take on Zambia to decide who meets Malawi or South Africa.
Malawi and Zambia could meet again should they emerge victorious.
Head to head record
2006: MW 0 SA 3
2011: SA 5 MW 1
2018: SA 6 MW 0
2019: MW1 SA3
