Malawi National Women’s Football Team’s hopes to retain the Cosafa Women’s Championship crumbled yesterday after going down 2-0 to rivals Zambia’s Copper Queens in a pulsating semi-final at Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha, South Africa.
For the Copper Queens, who scored through debutants Ochumba Lubanji and Fridah Mukoma in the second-half, it was a sweet revenge having lost to Malawi in the last edition’s final in Gauteng.
Both coaches Lovemore Fazili for Scorchers and Florence Mwila for Copper Queens, did not pull punches as they featured their best arsenal in this epic battle between the neighbours.
Fazili made only two changes to the squad that massacred Mauritius 9-0.
Mercy Sikelo started in goals while the defence had Maureen Kenneth, Rose Alufandika, Patricia Nyirenda and Bernadetter Mkandawire who replaced Carolyn Mathyola.
Fazili deployed Faith Chinzimu in defending midfielder role while Leticia Chinyamula and Tendai Sani partnered in central midfield.
On the other hand, Asimenye Simwaka played wide on the right while Pilirani Malora, who started ahead of Mary Chavinda, played on the other end.
Captain Sabina Thom played as the lone striker.
Mwila also trusted the same stars that thrashed Comoros 7-0, maintaining Regina Chanda, Evelyne Katongo, Pauline Zulu, Esther Muchinga, Lungowe Namasiku, Regina Chanda as well as Lubanji and Mukoma.
Just as anticipated, it was a match tightly contested with both sides registering six shots on target.
Chinzimu’s set-piece in the seventh minute went straight to Zambia goalkeeper Petronela Musole.
Thom also saw her effort saved by Musole after a nice build up in the 23rd minute.
The Scorchers came close to taking the lead in the 29th minute, but Chinzimu’s long-range shot hit the cross bar.
The Copper Queens took the lead in 46th minute through Lubanji who tipped the ball over advancing Sikelo after defenders Nyirenda and Mkandawire failed to clear and aerial ball.
Zambia then doubled the lead in the 68th minute after Mukoma pounced on a back-pass-gone-wrong from Nyirenda.
