* Central African Republic came hard on the girls, but they never relented. That resilience is what earned us the equalizer and ultimately the qualification
* As U17 national side finish as COSAFA 2025 runners-up after losing 0-3 in final against Zambia
Maravi Express
Malawi Under-20 women’s national team have advanced to the second round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 qualifiers following a one all-draw against the Central African Republic (CAR) on yesterday — going through by 4-2 on aggregate after winning 3-1 in the first home leg.
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Meanwhile, Malawi Under-17 Girls’ finished as runners-up at the COSAFA Championship 2025 after a 0-3-0 defeat to Zambia in the final held in Windhoek, Namibia.
Fam.mw reports that CAR took an early lead in the 11th minute through Maimouna Daoud, a goal they held onto heading into the break going into the second half, Malawi coach Maggie Chombo made her only substitution of the match — bringing on Anna Baziliyo for Victoria Mkwala, which proved effective as Leticia Chinyamula leveled the score just two minutes into the second half, making it 1-1 on the day and 4-2 on aggregate in favour of Malawi.
After the match, coach Chombo praised her players for their determination and composure under pressure, saying: “Central African Republic came hard on the girls, but they never relented.
“That resilience is what earned us the equalizer and ultimately the qualification,” she said ahead of South Sudan in the second round of the qualifiers in September.
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In Windhoek, Namibia for the COSAFA, Fam.mw reports that coach Chisomo Nkhoma made four changes to the starting lineup, bringing in Tryness Chawala, Chisomo Mtelera, Juliet Kalua, and Jacqueline Kamputa in place of semi-final goal-scorer Talandira Kachala, Ethel Tambala, Alinafe Nyirenda, and Cecilia Nzima.
Malawi suffered an early setback when key defender Ongani Masamba was stretchered off due to injury and replaced by Chrissy Munthali.
Zambia struck twice in quick succession, with tournament standout and captain Ruth Mukoma opening the scoring in the 22nd minute, followed by Natasha Kasema just five minutes later. Zambia sealed their dominant first half with a third goal in added time.
The second half saw a much-improved performance from Malawi. Substitutions brought in Kachala, Nyirenda, and Tamandani Chilimba, helping the team gain more control and create several chances, though they struggled to convert.
In a rare change, coach Nkhoma also substituted her starting goalkeeper, who had played every match in the tournament, due to an injury sustained in a collision. She was replaced by Bridget Afiki, who helped keep Zambia from scoring again.
Despite the loss, Malawi held their ground in the second half, demonstrating resilience and discipline.
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After the match, coach Nkhoma praised her squad for their historic achievement: “It was a tough game — we lacked confidence in the first half, which cost us.
“But I’m proud of the girls’ fighting spirit in the second half where we didn’t concede. This was our first time reaching the final, and I want to thank the players for making the nation proud.”
Malawi’s journey to the final, scoring 10 goals and conceding just three in the group and knockout stages, marks a significant milestone for women’s football in the country.
Malawi line up: Dorothy Manda (Bridget Afiki 60′), Thokozani Enock, Ongani Masamba (Chrissy Munthali 18′), Emily Samuel,Joyce Makweya, Jacqueline Kamputa (Alinafe Nyirenda46′), Juliet Kalua (Talandira Kachala 46′),Tryness Chawala (Tamandani Chilimba 46′), Chisomo Mtelera, Rabecca Banda, Faluna Umali.—Content by Fam.mw; edited by Maravi Express
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