Simwaka hat-trick powers Scorchers to dominant double over Lesotho

The Malawi National Women’s Football Team completed a perfect two-match series with a commanding 3-0 victory over Lesotho at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre on Sunday. Striker Asimenye Simwaka’s hat-trick sealed the Scorchers’ second consecutive 3-0 win, maintaining their impressive form ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures.

The opening 45 minutes proved tightly contested as both teams sized each other up. Simwaka came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute, her effort narrowly missing the target. Mayamiko Mkandawire also threatened but couldn’t connect with a dangerous cross.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

Coach Lovemore Fazili made early tactical adjustments in the 28th minute, bringing on Maureen Kenneth and Fatima Lali for Trizza Chiwere and Mkandawire respectively.

The breakthrough finally came in first-half stoppage time. Captain Sabina Thom delivered a perfectly weighted corner, which Simwaka rose to meet with a powerful header, giving the hosts a 1-0 advantage at the interval.

Malawi grew in confidence after the restart, though they were forced into an early change when Zainabu Kapanda suffered an injury. Fanny Moyo replaced her in the 52nd minute and would prove instrumental in the team’s dominant finish.

Lesotho initially stood firm, but the Scorchers’ attacking momentum proved irresistible. The crucial second goal arrived in the 71st minute through another Thom-Simwaka combination, before the striker completed her treble just three minutes later with another clinical header, this time set up by Ireen Khumalo.

Khumalo nearly added a fourth with a well-struck free-kick that narrowly missed the target, but Simwaka’s hat-trick had already secured another emphatic victory.

“Coaches Reflect on Performance”

Head coach Fazili praised his team’s resilience across both matches, describing Sunday’s encounter as “a rollercoaster” due to Lesotho’s early pressure.

“These two matches mean a lot. Most players have shown heart and improvement that they can deliver for the team,” Fazili said. “We believe we will have a good game against Angola in the WAFCON qualifiers.”

The coach particularly highlighted substitute Fanny Moyo’s impact, crediting the midfielder with helping turn the game in Malawi’s favor after her introduction.

Lesotho coach Shalane Lehohla acknowledged his team’s improved first-half performance compared to Friday’s opener, but admitted defensive lapses proved costly.

“In the first 45 minutes, we managed the opponents well and they ended up taking shots outside the box,” Lehohla said. “But in the last minutes of the game, we made the mistake of failing to identify their dangerous player in the air, number 7 (Simwaka).”

With six goals across two dominant performances, the Scorchers have built significant momentum heading into October’s COSAFA Cup and WAFCON qualifiers. Simwaka’s five goals in two matches, combined with the team’s tactical flexibility and squad depth, suggest Malawi are well-positioned for the challenges ahead.