Scorchers in must win clash
Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, have a date with destiny when taking on Angola in the Cosafa Cup at Nelson Mandela University Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa this afternoon.
This is Malawi’s last chance to qualify for the semifinals of the competition this year.
Group A is wide open as all the four teams still have mathematical chances of making it to the semifinals.
Hosts and defending champions South Africa, who beat Malawi 2-1 in the opening match, lead the group with four points, a point above Scorchers.
Angola are third with two points from two matches whereas Mozambique anchor the table with a single point.
The Scorchers desperately need maximum points to increase their chances and hope that South Africa drop points against Mozambique in another Group A clash at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
However, the Scorchers can qualify as best loser if they beat Angola should the results in other groups go in their favour.
In today’s match, Scorchers Coach McNerbert Kazuwa will be forced to make changes as attacking midfielder Zainab Kapanda is suspended due to two yellow cards.
But Kazuwa said the players were in high spirits and determined to collect maximum points.
“Our aim is to win the match and qualify for the semifinals,” he said.
Kazuwa might also make changes in goalkeeping after first choice Samir Amidu’s comical display in two opening matches.
The back four of Patricia Nyirenda, Chimwemwe Nyirenda, Ruth Nyirongo and Ireen Khumalo will likely be maintained. Captain Madyina Ngulube will retain her place alongside Sabina Thom and Asimenye Simwaka.
On the other hand, Angola are yet to lose a match after two draws against Mozambique and South Africa.
Angola Coach Sousa Garcia has assembled a good squad in this year’s tournament.
Top team in each group will qualify for the semifinals and they will be joined by overall best runner-up.
Last year, Malawi reached the semifinals but failed to qualify for the finals after they lost 6-2 to South Africa.
