The Malawi Women’s National Football Team has received a timely boost at the ongoing Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women’s Championship following the arrival of Egypt-based attacking midfielder Vanessa Chikupila.
The player joined camp in Polokwane, South Africa, on Wednesday night, just hours after Malawi went down 2-0 to the hosts in their opening match at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The Palm Hills’ versatile midfielder arrived late due to travel constraints.
Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili said Chikupila’s arrival was a morale booster ahead of Saturday’s match against Lesotho.
“It is a big boost to us because we had a huge task in midfield as well as attack. We believe that her arrival will bring about stiff competition to the squad. This will help us to strengthen the team for our second match,” Fazili said.
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During Wednesday’s match, South Africa broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute after capitalising on a lapse in Malawi’s defensive line.
Goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo had earlier produced a crucial save to keep the hosts at bay but sustained pressure eventually paid off for Banyana Banyana.
Malawi pushed forward in search of an equaliser and committed numbers in the final third but the hosts scored again moments after the referee had signaled three minutes of added time.
However, Fazili said there were positives to take from the performance despite the outcome.
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“We had a good game, more especially in the first half. I still believe in my girls and I’m sure they will give us good results. To say the fact, we did not come to the party and we were outplayed but all is not lost. We have two matches to play and we will do our best,” he said.
The Scorchers are using the Cosafa championship as part of preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for Morocco next month.
