The Scorchers suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to hosts Zimbabwe on Thursday evening at Bingu National Stadium, a setback that highlights the work still needed ahead of next year’s WAFCON in Morocco.
Despite a spirited second-half fightback led by captain Tabitha Chawinga, the loss on home soil serves as a wake-up call in a tournament organized by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) specifically to prepare the team for the continental championship.
Zimbabwe got off to the perfect start, taking the lead just four minutes into the match when Ethel Chinyerere finished off a quick move. Matters worsened for Malawi when defender Ireen Khumalo limped off in the 9th minute, adding to the defensive pressure.
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The hosts doubled their advantage in the 40th minute, with Chinyerere completing her brace after Malawi struggled to deal with sustained pressure from the Mighty Warriors.
The Scorchers, however, responded almost immediately. Faith Chinzimu reduced the deficit in the 42nd minute with a composed finish, giving Malawi hope heading into the break with Zimbabwe leading 2-1 at halftime.
Malawi made four halftime substitutions that immediately transformed their performance—bringing on captain Tabitha Chawinga, goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo, Vanessa Chikupira, and Sabina Thom. The changes lifted the team’s intensity, with the Scorchers dominating large parts of the second half and creating several chances, including a 90th-minute opportunity that Tabitha took one-on-one with the keeper, only to be denied by a brilliant save.
Zimbabwe nearly sealed the victory in the 72nd minute when they rattled the crossbar, but Malawi continued pressing forward with late efforts from Letticia Chinyamula and Tabitha Chawinga.
Both sides made additional substitutions in the final stages, while Malawi collected bookings through Sabina Thom and Vanessa Chikupira. Despite a strong second-half display and four minutes of added time, the Scorchers could not find the equalizer.
The Scorchers will look to bounce back against Zambia on Sunday, November 30, needing a positive result to salvage their tournament campaign. The tournament concludes on Tuesday, December 2, when Zimbabwe face Zambia in the final match.
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