By Frank Mojah Dzuwa

Malawi Women’s National Team coach, Lovemore Fazili, expressed satisfaction with his side’s performance despite a 1-0 defeat to Tanzania in an international friendly match at KMC Stadium in Tanzania on Wednesday.

Tanzania captain Anastanzia Katunzi scored the game’s only goal in the 48th minute. However, Fazili insisted the result was not a major concern, highlighting that his team created several scoring opportunities and competed strongly throughout.

The Scorchers coach stated his players delivered a positive performance and could have won the match had they been more clinical in front of goal.

Fazili commented, “The game was okay. I am not worried about the result because what makes me happy is that I managed to go forward, create chances and hold them throughout the 90 minutes. They scored after we missed a lot of chances. This is football, and I am happy everybody put in a lot of effort. Yes, 1-0 is the result, but we would have won this game with more goals.”

He added that the technical panel would focus on areas requiring improvement ahead of a second friendly against Tanzania, scheduled for Saturday, with a sharper attacking display among the key objectives.

Fazili also commended defender Talandira Chinyamula, who made her senior national team debut after graduating from Malawi’s Under-20 squad.

“That was an excellent performance from Talandira,” Fazili stated. “I didn’t expect her to give us that type of performance, and that was very good considering it was her first time playing for the senior team. We will give her more time and encourage her.”

The Scorchers are utilising the two friendlies against Tanzania as preparation for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to take place in Morocco next month.

Squad Mercy Sikelo, Chimwemwe Madise, Talandira Chinyamula, Rose Alufandika, Sabina Thom, Tabitha Chawinga, Vanessa Chikupira, Leticia Chinyamula, Faith Chimzimu, Ireen Khumalo, Benedetta Mkandawire