By Edwin Mbewe
LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has communicated that Sunday’s match between Malawi and Central Africa Republic in the 2026 Women’s under 20 world cup qualifier to be played at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe will be free of charge.
The body’s marketing and broadcasting manager Tulipo Mwenelupembe said the idea is aimed at ensuring fans to come in large numbers to support their team.
He stated, “The FIFA Under-20 Women’s Football World Cup is a developmental tournament and we decided to make entry free to promote the development of girls’ football”
Mwenelupembe told the Nation that Malawi has assembled a squad of raw talent that is set to take over from the senior side in the near future and team needs full support.
“We also want the fans to appreciate the talent we have identified in Women’s football and also give the girls a push to qualify for the next round”, he said.
Mwenelupemne however said, the free entry only applies to the normal stands.
“VIP and corporate box will not be free entry to control the capacity since there is very limited space”, he said.
Leticia Chinyamula who also plays for the Scorchers, said the players are ready for the for the battle.
Four teams from Confederation of African Football (CAF) will qualify for the finals to be held in Poland in 2026.
Malawi and other 37 countries entered the the qualifying rounds and the draw was held in 2024 with the first leg set for May 11 while the return legs are set for May 18.
Twelve lowest-ranked teams, based on previous Under-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers performance, are battling it out in the first round.
The six winners will advance to join the 26 top-ranked teams exempted from the first round to battle it out for 16 spots.
In the third round, the remaining 16 teams will compete in the knockout format to determine the eight teams advancing to the final round.
Four winners from the final round will book a place at the finals.
