The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, got their two-match friendly series against Lesotho off to a perfect start with a commanding 3-0 victory at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre on Friday afternoon.
It was Asimenye Simwaka who lit the stage early on, striking in the 10th minute after pressing high and capitalizing on a goalkeeping blunder. She doubled the lead just before half-time, rising high in the box to head home a delightful cross from Ireen Khumalo. The Scorchers went into the break deservedly 2-0 up, having completely dominated the half.
In the second stanza, captain Sabina Thom got in on the act, calmly slotting home in the 77th minute to seal the win for the hosts. The strike capped a brilliant afternoon where Malawi showed hunger, control, and a sharp cutting edge.
MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA
Head coach Lovemore Fazili hailed the performance, particularly the blend of regulars and new faces.
“It was a fair game. We are trying to build good coordination between the regulars and the new players, and with this result, I am impressed. The defensive unit and goalkeeping also did well to keep a clean sheet,” Fazili said.
The gaffer hinted that Sunday’s second friendly will see other players being given a chance, as he looks to test depth and build competition across the squad ahead of COSAFA and WAFCON qualifiers in October.
On the other side, Lesotho’s head coach Shalane Lehohla admitted his side were second best.
“We didn’t give enough energy and we didn’t have much of the ball. Malawi were technically and physically better, and that’s why we conceded. For us, it is now about correcting the mistakes we observed,” he said.
He, however, admitted the turnaround may be difficult with limited time before the return match on Sunday, August 31 as with the given time signatures, it is hardly to develop a difeerent tactical approach and for the Beautiful Flowers to adapt to it.
The Scorchers will be looking to complete the double and continue fine-tuning their preparations when the two sides meet again this Sunday.
Discover more from Wa Mpira
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
