Zambia assistant coach: Malawi almost at same level as Copper Queens

Zambia Women’s Football Team assistant coach Charles Halubono has acknowledged Malawi’s continued improvement following Sunday evening’s pulsating 1-1 draw in the Three-Nation Tournament.

The result extends a competitive rivalry that has seen the teams evenly matched since 2023. The two sides have faced each other twice earlier this year, with Zambia winning 2-0 before Malawi secured revenge with a 3-2 victory.

The recent head-to-head record stands at two wins apiece—the Scorchers triumphed at the 2023 COSAFA Cup and in a friendly match, while Zambia responded with victories at the 2024 COSAFA Cup and another friendly.

MORE NEWS FROM WAMPIRA

Heading into Sunday’s encounter, Malawi were hoping for consecutive wins over their neighbors to boost their chances of claiming the tournament organized by the Football Association of Malawi.

The Scorchers, who lost 2-1 to Zimbabwe in their opening match, delivered a spirited performance and took the lead through Montpellier attacker Rose Kabzere in the second half. However, Zambia responded through Natasha Nanyangwe to secure a share of the spoils.

Copper Queens assistant coach Charles Halubono, standing in for head coach Nora Hauptle, praised Malawi’s display and admitted the gap between the two teams has narrowed significantly.

“Very good game. Like I’ve said, very competitive. Malawi came very strong—a well-organized team with well-coordinated football. I think even soccer fans are very happy with what they have seen,” Halubono said.

“It was a game full of scoring opportunities from both sides. That was very good. For me, I’m happy with the result. I think a draw is a fair result for all of us.

“Malawi keeps on improving. I think you have seen that we are now almost at the same level—if not at the same level. You have seen how the game has gone. They have kept on improving, getting better. You see young players coming in who are performing very well. I know most of these Malawian players. I follow the league and what is happening. I see the development here. It is really developing.”

Scorchers head coach Lovemore Fazili welcomed the acknowledgment from his Zambian counterpart, viewing it as validation of his team’s progress.

“If Zambia is accepting that Malawi has improved, then it is a good sign for us since they had almost their entire team representing the country at next year’s WAFCON,” Fazili said.

The contrasting FIFA rankings highlight the significance of Malawi’s recent performances. Zambia remain one of Africa’s powerhouses, ranked 4th on the continent and 65th globally, while Malawi sit 33rd in Africa and 155th in the world.