At a time it mattered the most, the Malawi Women’s National Football Team did not disappoint, whipping Mauritius 9-0 at Madibaz Stadium in Gqeberha Monday to enhance their Cosafa Women’s Championship defence hopes.
The Scorchers have now reached the semifinals as Group B leaders with seven points, dismissing Botswana who finished as runners-up in the group with five points following a goalless draw with third-placed Madagascar.
Malawi will face Group C leaders where Zambia are favourites to sail through despite tying on points with Comoros but Zambia have a goal advantage.
Prior to Monday’s match, the Scorchers were behind Botswana on the log table and they were advised to win by at least a six-goal margin to secure their slot.
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In spite of being a mammoth task, the Scorchers scored three more goals to underline their class in absence of seven key players including the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa.
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At half time, Malawi were leading 3-0 with Leticia Chinyamula opening the floodgates in the 8th minute.
Chinyamula, who scored a hattrick, was deservedly named player of the match.
Democratic Republic of Congo based forward Sabina Thom also scored a hattrick while Asimenye Simwaka, Catherine Kachala and Maureen Kenneth scored a goal each.
Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili hailed his players for playing according to instructions.
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“I told them we needed more goals to qualify and they did exactly that. We changed some players fielding more attackers and I am happy almost every attacker scored. We now turn our focus to the semifinals,” Fazili said.
However, Mauritius Coach Jean Levrai blamed VAR for the heavy loss against Malawi.
“Firstly we knew that the tournament will be tough for us but VAR technology affected my players as we are not used to it,” Levrai said
Mauritius conceded 19 goals in three games and scored a single goal. They gave away three penalties against Malawi in their final Group B match.
In Group A, South Africa also qualified.
