Rachael Kaphaizi

Continuity is the key theme as the Malawi Under-20 Women’s National Team begins its final push for a World Cup spot.

Head coach Maggie Chombo has named a 29-player squad to enter camp today at Mpira Village, retaining 21 players who featured in the victory over Guinea-Bissau in the previous round.

The Young Scorchers now face their toughest challenge yet: a two-legged final qualifier against African heavyweights Nigeria.

The first leg will be played away on 2 May 2026, with the return leg scheduled for 9 May at Bingu National Stadium. The aggregate winner will qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, set for 27 August to 26 September.

Nigeria secured their place in the final qualifying round with a 3–1 aggregate win over Senegal. Malawi advanced after a commanding 6–2 aggregate victory against Guinea-Bissau.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers:
Ireen Sibande (Silver Strikers Ladies FC), Emily Nkhwazi (Kukoma Ntopwa Women), Fortune Bwitubwitu (Ekhaya FC Women)

Defenders:
Maureen Keneth, Talandira Chinyamvula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Olivia Phikani (Kukoma Ntopwa Women), Emily Samuel (Civil Service Women), Judith Kam’bwemba (Chitoliro Heroines FC), Alinafe Milanzie (Civil Service Women), Efa Msuka (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women)

Midfielders:
Leticia Chinyamula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Sarah Mulimbika (Green Buffaloes Women), Anna Baziliyo (Civil Service Women), Kondawo Banda (Kukoma Ntopwa Women), Carlo Mlenzo (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Linda Manda (Silver Strikers Ladies FC), Fanny Moyo (Mighty Wanderers Queens), Enelesi Fabiano (Mzuzu City Hammers Queens), Victoria Mkwala (Ascent Soccer Academy)

Forwards:
Mary Chindeya (Kukoma Ntopwa Women), Fatima Lali, Mayamiko Mkandawire (Ascent Soccer Academy), Grace Mkakangula (Silver Strikers Ladies FC), Vanessa Issa (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Hope Chikunga (Ekhaya FC Women), Wongani Masamba, Talandila Kachala, Rebecca Banda, Chisomo Mtelela (Luwinga Academy)