Malawi Makes History by Winning Cosafa Women’s Championship
In a historic final match at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in South Africa, the Malawi National Women’s Football Team emerged as champions of the 2023 Cosafa Women’s Championship, defeating Zambia 2-1.
The match’s first goal was scored by Asimenye Simwaka, giving Malawi the lead after 34 minutes of play in the first half. During this period, the Scorchers dominated much of the match, while Zambia struggled to level the scores.
The first half could have ended with a 2-0 lead for Malawi, but Sabina Thom’s goal was disallowed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). The VAR claimed that Malawi’s captain, Temwa Chawinga, had committed a foul against a Zambian player before passing the ball.
In the second half, Zambia adopted a more aggressive playing style. However, Malawi’s head coach, Lovemore Fazili, made strategic changes, transitioning from a defensive to an attacking system of play.
Agnes Phiri of Zambia managed to score from the penalty spot after Ireen Khumalo handled the ball in the penalty area. This put significant pressure on Malawi, as they sought another goal to secure the trophy for the first time.
In the added time, Thom scored again, sealing the victory and making Malawi the champions of the Cosafa Women’s Championship.
In an earlier match, Mozambique defeated Zimbabwe 2-0, securing the third-place position and the bronze medal.
This story has been adopted from Malawi24.
