The Malawi Under-20 Women’s Football National Team yesterday drew 1-1 against Central African Republic (CAR) in the first round second leg of 2026 Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup African Qualifiers to progress to the next round 4-2 on aggregate.
Playing away at a neutral Japoma Stadium in Doula, Cameroun, CAR caused a scare to the Malawi camp after taking the lead in the 11th minute for the first-half to end in 1-0.
CAR hosted the match in Cameroon because their stadiums do not meet Confederation of African Football minimum requirements.
In the match, Leticia Chinyamula equalised for Malawi just two minutes into the second half with a header following a goal-mouth scramble.
Malawi went into yesterday’s match with a spring in their step, havin won the first leg 3-1 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe last week.
In yesterday’s match, Malawi had a full-squad as France-based striker Rose Kabzere and Ascent Academy midfielder Faith Chinzimu, who missed the first leg due to club commitments, returned to action and played a pivotal role in the latest result.
The Maggie Chombo-Sadiki-coached side struggled in the first half as CAR pulled the strings. However, solid defending and a never-say-die attitude in the second half proved vital for Malawi.
In the first leg, Fatima Lali claimed a brace while Olivia Phikani scxored the other goal.
