Scorcher and Zambia’s Copper Queens yesterday played out a 1-1 draw in Three Nations Women’s Football Tournament at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
A spectacular volley from Scorchers’ striker Rose Kabzere early in the second-half was cancelled out by substitute Natasha Nanyangwe, to end Malawi’s hopes of winning the competition.
The championship battle is now between log table leaders Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors, who have three points from their victory over Scorchers in the opening match and Zambia, who are second on the table with a point.
The two sides clash tomorrow in the decider.
the match. | Courtesy of FAM
Zimbabwe just need a draw to win the tournament while Copper Queens need an outright victory to finish above their opponents with four points.
Yesterday’s match saw a display of talent with both sides boasting of super stars, some based overseas.
Just two minutes into the match France-based Scorchers captain Tabitha Chawinga picked out Sabina Thom with a clever pass, but Thom’s low effort was comfortably collected by the Zambian goalkeeper.
The Copper Queens responded immediately, launching their own attack through Enelesi Phiri whose cross located USA-based Rachel Kundananji of Bay FC, but the forward fired over.
Zambia’s wing play, especially through Rachel Nachula, also forced Malawi to defend resolutely, highlighted by Rose Alufandika’s timely block.
Malawi nearly broke the deadlock in the 10th minute, but Irene Khumalo’s free-kick was dealt with swiftly.
At the other end, a clever back heel from Kundananji set up Avel Chitundu, only for Malawi’s defence to clear off the line.
Despite the intensity, neither side could find the opener, as the teams went into the break locked at 0-0.
But the match exploded into life in the second-half when in the 56th minute, Zambia’s attempted clearance fell perfectly for Kabzere and the Montpellier attacker let fly with a stunning left-footed volley from distance beating Zambian goalkeeper
Zambia hit back in the 65th minute when a cross from the right flank found substitute Natasha Nanyangwe, who rose brilliantly to glance a header off the post and into the net.
Scorchers head coach Lovemore Fazili rued missed chances that could have buried the game.
