By Mabvuto Kambuwe:
Malawi national women’s football team yesterday flew out of the country for Nairobi, Kenya, ahead of Sunday’s 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games second round return leg qualifier against the Harambee Starlets at Kenyatta Stadium in Nairobi.
The She-Flames flew out with a narrow advantage following their 3-2 win in the first leg at Kamuzu Stadium on Wednesday.
Speaking before departure yesterday, Malawi Coach Abel Mkandawire said he was confident that his charges would qualify for the next round.
“The mentality of the players is strong and we are going to Kenya for a win. We were a bit nervous in the first leg but we have done our homework,” Mkandawire said.
Mkandawire has travelled with a strong squad comprising China-based forward Tabitha Chawinga and her sister Temwa, who plies her trade in Sweden.
Tabitha scored a brace in the first leg at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre with the other goal coming from Madyina Ngulube. In the second leg, Malawi just need a draw to progress to the next round.
Malawi started the qualifiers with a 14-1 aggregate victory over Mozambique.
The winner between Malawi and Kenya will face Gabon or Ghana in the next round.
Ghana have a massive advantage after beating Gabon 3-0 away in the first leg.
The following is Malawi’s squad:
Goal keepers-Samir
Amidu, Mercy Sikelo
Defenders-Towera
Vinkhumbo, Patricia Nyirenda,
Chimwemwe Madise, Maureen
Phiri, Emily Jossam, Ruth
Nyirongo
Midfielders-Salome
Vinkhumbo, Madina Ngulube,
Wezie Mvula, Sabina Thom,
Shira Dimba, Zainab Kapanda,
Chikondi Gondwe
Strikers-Tabitha Chawinga,
Temwa Chawinga, Linda
Kasenda, Asimenye Simwaka,
Mary Chavinda.
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