Malawi Women’s National Football Team gave up the Cosafa Women’s Championship after a 2-0 semifinal loss to Zambia at Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha, South Africa, Thursday.
It was sweet revenge for Zambia as the Scorchers beat them 2-1 to lift the cup last year.
After a goalless first half of wasted opportunities for both sides, the Copper Queens scored their first goal just two minutes into the second half through Ochumba Lubandji.
The second goal came through Fridah Mukoma, who capitalised on Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo’s school girl mistake in the six-yard box to score from close range in the 68th minute.
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Malawi were let down by their 4-5-1 formation which saw them failing to pressurise their opponents in the first half.
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Zambia were the better side and their 4-3-3 system seemed to give them the edge against a Scorchers side that could not last the distance.
In the course of the match, Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili rested Leticia Chinyamula for Catherine Kachala, Asimenye Simwaka for Jessey Yosefe and Pilirani Malola for Vannesa Chikupira.
However, the substitutions did not pay any dividend as Zambian players were superior in terms of physique.
Fazili conceded defeat and blamed the loss on poor communication between the defence and goalkeeper.
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“We were a much better team in the first half but slowed down in the second. If you look at the goals we conceded, you will see that they were giveaways. We could have avoided them with better communication. But we concede defeat and wish Zambia all the best as they play in the final,” he said.
Fazili’s counterpart Florence Nkatya described the match as tough.
“It was not an easy match. We had to fight hard throughout. We told our players to close Malawi down on the wings because we knew they have fast wingers. We largely benefitted from a solid defence today.
“Going into the final, we know exactly what to do. I have a good team that can make the difference when it matters most. The players have done the job today and everyone is happy. Our substitutes are also good, so we will deal with the situation as it comes,” Nkatya said.
This is Zambia’s third final in five years, having also made it in 2019, 2022 and last year.
