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Scorchers itch for first win

 Defending champions Scorchers are optimistic of chalking their first win at the Cosafa Women’s Championship when they face Madagascar in Gqeberha, South Africa, this afternoon.

Madagascar top the four-team Group B with three points, having thumped Mauritius 5-1 in their opening match while second-placed Malawi are tied on three points with Botswana following their one-all draw on Wednesday.

Scorchers in action against Botswana on Wednesday

Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili said in a pre-match presser that the plan is to win both their remaining games by wide margins to have an edge over the Tswanas.

He said: “We are not under any pressure. The group could end in a tie at the top. So, our plan is that we win both games convincingly. There is a big possibility that the group could be decided by goal aggregate.”

Fazili also said he is not moved with Madagascar’s impressive start.

“I am optimistic that we’ll beat them, but the issue is about how many goals and our measure should be Botswana,” he said.

The coach reiterated that the Mares of Botswana are no push overs, having qualified for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).

“So, as I said, to us, that was probably our toughest match in the group was against Botswana,” he said.

The coach also played down the absence of some foreign-based players, including the Chawinga sisters Tabitha and Temwa, Rose Kabzere and Chimwemwe Madise.

Said Fazili: “I am happy with the performance of the local-based players and the coming of [DRC-based] forward Sabina Thom will boost our attack.

“So, I think our attacking third is going to be strong and sharp with the coming of Sabina.”

Sarah Rasoanandrasana who scored a brace in the 5-1 demolition of Mauritius, carries Madagscar’s hopes .

The Scorchers’ final group match will be against Mauritius on Monday at noon.

Malawi, who have been inactive since they won the regional showpiece a year ago, looked out of sorts in their opening match in which they took the lead through Faith Chimzimu in the 27th minute, but the Tswanas pulled level 12 minutes later via Laone Maloi’s strike.

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