Malawi Women’s National Football Team, The Scorchers, moved closer to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon quarter-finals after securing a 3-1 victory over Egypt’s Cleopatras in a dramatic Group C encounter.
The Scorchers produced a brilliant first-half display to take a 2-0 lead into the break through goals from Rose Kabzere and Faith Chinzimu.
But their resilience was tested in the second-half after going down to 10 players following a straight red card to defender Rose Alufandika.
Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili kept faith with the same starting XI that delivered a memorable performance in their 3-2 victory over defending champions Nigeria.
Captain Tabitha Chawinga and her sister Temwa Chawinga spearheaded the attack while Mercy Sikelo retained her place in goal.
The Scorchers started strongly and created several opportunities before opening the scoring in the 32nd minute.
Temwa turned provider, setting up Kabzere, who calmly fired past Egypt goalkeeper Taghred El-Shahat to give Malawi the lead.
Malawi doubled their advantage deep into first-half stoppage time.
Bernadette Mkandawire delivered a perfect cross into the box, allowing Chinzimu to rise high with a header. Although El-Shahat saved the initial effort, Chinzimu reacted quickly to tap in the rebound.
Egypt came out strongly after the restart and were handed a major boost in the 51st minute when Alufandika received a straight red card for a dangerous tackle.
With a numerical advantage, Egypt increased the pressure and pushed Malawi deeper, exploiting the extra player as they searched for a way back into the match.
However, against the run of play, Malawi extended their lead in the 71st minute through Temwa Chawinga.
The US-based Kansas City forward rose highest to head past the advancing El-Shahat after connecting with a long cross from Kabzere, to net her third goal at the tournament.
Egypt responded quickly and reduced the deficit in the 69th minute through Eman Hassan.
She headed in a free-kick after finding space in the Malawi box.
The Scorchers showed great character in the closing stages, defending their advantage despite sustained Egyptian pressure.
Fazili made late changes, introducing Tendai Sani and Sabina Thom for Leticia Chinyamula and Rose Kabzere in the 90th minute as Malawi managed the final moments of the contest.
In stoppage time, Malawi were awarded a penalty after Tabitha’s effort appeared to strike an Egypt defender’s hand inside the box.
However, after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned.
At press time, the Scorchers were waiting for the outcome of the match between Nigeria and Zambia to determine their final position in the group.
