….India 3-2 Malawi
By Edwin Mbewe
NAIROBI-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, popularly known as the Scorchers, endured another setback in the ongoing FIFA Series in Kenya after falling 3-2 to India, marking their second straight defeat following a 5-0 loss to Australia.
India opened the scoring in the 18th minute, taking an early lead that put Malawi on the back foot.
The Scorchers responded positively, with Ireen Khumalo finding the equaliser to restore hope.
However, their celebrations were short-lived as India regained the lead in first-half stoppage time (45+1), sending Malawi into the break trailing 2-1.
The Scorchers returned from halftime with renewed determination and were rewarded in the 54th minute when substitute Deborah Henry leveled the score at 2-2.
Malawi appeared to have gained momentum and looked the more threatening side as they pushed for a winner.
Despite their improved second-half performance, the Lovemore Fazili-coached side conceded again in the 79th minute, allowing India to secure a 3-2 victory and leaving Malawi frustrated after what had seemed a promising comeback.
The back-to-back defeats in the FIFA Series serve as a wake-up call for the Scorchers’ technical panel, exposing areas that require urgent improvement ahead of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals scheduled for July in Morocco.
Coach Lovemore Fazili made notable changes to the starting lineup, benching first-choice goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo in favour of Esther Maulidi.
The team also featured Chimwemwe Madise, Vitumbiko Mkandawire, Rose Kabzere, Sabina Thom, Madyina Nguluwe, Vanessa Chikupira, Faith Chimzimu, Ireen Khumalo, Rose Alufandika, and Bernadeta Mkandawire.
With the WAFCON tournament fast approaching, the Scorchers will need to regroup quickly as they return home and address their defensive vulnerabilities if they are to compete effectively on the continental stage.
