There were lovely scenes fit for the angels in their flight at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe yesterday as the Scorchers broke the jinx and qualified for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) for the first time after beating Angola 2-0.
It didn’t come on a silver platter and the Scorchers fought every inch of the way to come out of the trenches bruised, but triumphant after an intense duel that shredded the nerves of the turnout.
But neither did it come as a miracle for the Scorchers to punch their tocket to Morocco for the continental showpiece.
celebrates her first goal with
Tabitha | Courtesy of FAM
Yes, Sweden-based attacker Faith Chinzimu was the toast of the afternoon after claiming the brace that took the Malawi Women’s National Football Team to the promised land, but the entire team deserve the credit for fighting every inch of the way.
Victory-starved fans joined the Scorchers players on the pitch and turned it into a theatre of celebrations.
The enduring moment was when the Scorchers saluted the fans for their support and they could not be blamed if at all they felt like flying in their hour of glory.
Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili could not hide his excitement.
He said: “I had confidence in my girls. I knew they were going to make it. They fought hard and they deserve all the credit.
“I just can’t explain how it feels, but I am happy we have fulfilled the promised at last.”
The coach also thanked Football Association of Malawi for its support towards the Scorchers that saw the team play eight friendlies.
In an interview, captain Tabitha Chawinga said this was the moment she had been looking forward to.
“Not only me, but the rest of the players. To qualify for this big tournament is something we have all been looking forward to. It is a dream come true, which could open the doors for fellow players.
“I am happy..I am very excited.”
During the actul mstch, Malawi survived the biggest scare in the 39th minute when the vicitors were awarded a penalty following a foul and to the relif of the home fans, Patricia Alfonso’s spot-kick bounced off the post.
In the second half, the Scorchers engaged an extra gear as desperation took a toll .
In the 70th minute, Tabitha weaved her way past Angola defenders on the left flank and delivered a good ball in the box, but Asimenye Simwaka failed to provide the finsl flourish in front of a yawning net. It was close.
Malawi felt they deserved a penalty in the 71st minute after Tabitha was fouled in the box as she was about to shoot, but referee Rachel Zihundula Nzigere did not consent and Fazili protested vehemently which led to a strong cution.
Tabitha missed a golden opportunity in the 76th minute, when Tabitha beautifully weaved her way past Angol defenders on the left and then rounded off Anfola ‘keeper Maria Dos Ceus Muecalia, but her final touch went begging on the goal line before being cleared into safety. Relief was the prevalent emotion for the visitors.
She then made up for the miss when she set up Chinzimu to draw first blood in the 82 minute with a cool finish. It was a quality pass and an equally quality finish.
Chinzimu killed the game two minutes later when she claimed a brace ith a low shot that gave Angola’s goaltender no chsnce. It was game over.
