Old habits die hard. Debutants Ntopwa Women’s FC inherited Malawi National Football Team’s habits when they conceded late against Lesotho Defence Force to start their Caf Women’s Champions League Cosafa qualifier with a 1-1 draw at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Durban, South Africa, Wednesday.
The Amaghetto Queens trooped out of the Durban facility a disappointed lot as they were just five minutes away from claiming their first ever win on the international stage.
But lack of composure coupled with lack of experience robbed them of a historic win.
Player-of-the-match Vanesa Chikupira scored for Ntopwa in the 45th minute when she beat Lesotho Defence Force goalkeeper with a right foot finish.
The goal came three minutes after Funny Magombo had fluffed an opportunity to put her side in front from the penalty spot following a foul in the box on striker Linda Kasenda.
- Advertisement -
Magombo directed her spot kick wide, to the disappointment of teammates and coaching panel.
Lesotho Defence Force came into the second half a changed side as they pressured their opponents, who had sat too deep.
The Blantyre-based side then paid dearly for earlier misses when Maseriti Mohlolo pulled level in the 85th minute to snatch a point for Lesotho Defence Force.
Mahlolo benefitted from Olivia Phikani’s error when she directed her pass to goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
The Lesotho forward intercepted the ball before firing it into the empty net with a low shot.
Before the goal, Ntopwa also had chances to bury the game, with Kasenda getting an opportunity in the second half but goalkeeper Mamakhabane Makibinyane was equal to the task.
Chikupira also wasted a good opportunity when her weak shot went straight into the palms of the goalkeeper.
Despite the draw, there were several positives from the match which the Malawian team can build on going forward.
Ntopwa Coach James Sangala said lack of experience and loss of concentration cost them points.
“We gave away the lead. I noticed that the girls had some fatigue in the second half. We dominated the first half but our opponents came hard on us in the second half,’’ Sangala said.
Chikupira described the result as painful.
“We scored a goal that built our confidence but the late goal demoralised us,’’ she said.
Lesotho Defence Force Coach Pule Khonjane said it was a difficult match.
“We were playing a team that we did not know. They like playing a physical game,’’ Khonjane said.
Ntopwa’s next match is against defending champions Green Buffaloes of Zambia on Friday at the same venue whereas Lesotho Defence Force will face Double Action Ladies from Botswana.
Two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals of the competition, with the winner qualifying for the Caf Women’s Champions League finals in Ivory Coast in November.
