Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, kept their Cosafa Women’s Championship semifinal dream alive with a 3-2 victory over Mozambique at Nelson Mandela University Stadium in Port Elizabeth Friday.
The Scorchers showed great character and fighting spirit after they came from two goals down to win the match.
With the win over Mozambique, the Scorchers have moved to position two in Group A with three points from two matches.
In another match, group leaders South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Angola. The hosts top the group with four points while Angola are third with two points. Mozambique anchor the group with a point.
Malawi will conclude their group campaign against Angola on Monday, whereas Mozambique will meet Banyana Banyana.
Scorchers Coach Mcnebert Kazuwa maintained the team that lost 2-1 to South Africa in the opening match.
However, goalkeeper Samir Amidu was at fault again for conceding two silly goals.
Cina Manuel broke the deadlock for Mozambique in the 12th minute after Amidu failed to save what looked like a harmless shot.
A minute later, Cidalia Cuta doubled Mozambique’s lead when she chipped over Amidu.
However, the Scorchers did not give up and fought back.
Exciting midfielder Zainab Kapanda pulled one back with a simple header after 20 minutes before Sabina Thom equalised for the Scorchers.
Before that, Fazira Chiyembekezo had hit the post twice in quick succession.
After recess, Ireen Khumalo scored the winner from a freekick on the edge of the box in the 57th minute.
Kazuwa made a double substitution when he brought in Caroline Mathyola and Limbikani Chikupira for Wezzie Mvula and Sabina Thom, respectively.
The Scorchers survived scare as Mozambique pressed hard for an equaliser but it never came.
In post-match interviews monitored on Super Sport, Kazuwa gave credit to the players.
“We really wanted the win. We planned to beat Mozambique although they came hard on us. The focus will be on Angola match,” he said.
Mozambique Coach Felizarda Malache was disappointed with the loss.
“We started the match well but we could not defend the two goals we scored,” she said.
Winners in each group will qualify for the semifinals and they will be joined by best runner-up.
Malawi qualified for the semifinals last year for the second time in the history of the competition.
