JUBA-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Under-20 Women’s National Team, the Young Scorchers, showed true resilience on Friday afternoon as they came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against South Sudan, a result that was enough to see them progress to the next round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
South Sudan struck first in the 33rd minute through Nyamam Atem, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to put her side 1-0 ahead.
Despite Malawi pushing forward in search of an equalizer, they failed to convert several chances before halftime.
The best opportunity came in stoppage time when Enelesi Fabiano made a beautiful run and delivered a curling cross to Sarah, whose header was inches over the bar.The first half ended 1-0 in favor of South Sudan.
After the break, the Young Scorchers came out fighting. Barely a minute into the second half, Enelesi Fabiano became the hero, leveling the score in the 47th minute with a well-taken goal that brought life back into Malawi’s campaign.
Both sides battled hard for a winner with Malawi dominating possession and creating several chances while South Sudan relied on counterattacks.
Despite a late push from the South Sudan the game ended 1-1, securing Malawi’s progression thanks to their aggregate advantage from the first leg.
Speaking after the match, head coach Maggie Chombo praised her players’ fighting spirit but admitted it was a difficult game.
“It was a tough game because in the first match we didn’t know each other well but today we were more familiar with our opponents. We need to push harder as we prepare for the next stage,” said Chombo.
The Young Scorchers will now shift their focus to the next round, where they face even tougher opposition as the road to the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup intensifies.