When Zambia plays Malawi in the COSAFA Women’s Championship final on Sunday, they will be attempting to defend their title.
Sarah Jere’s 51st minute solo goal was enough to send the defending champions to the finals while Malawi came from a goal down to beat Mozambique 2-1 in the second semifinal.
While, in the second semifinal match, Temwa Chawinga’s double steered Malawi to a hard-fought come-from behind win over Mozambique and with the semifinal victory, a place in the Cosafa Women’s Championship final.
Mozambique found the back of the net in the 38th minute from defender Bernadette Mkandawire’s own goal who failed to clear a dangerous cross from the right flank.
After the goal, Mozambique sat at the back defending the goal up to the 75th minute when Temwa Chawinga levelled the matters with an individual brilliance—rounding off two defenders before putting the ball at the desired place.
Chawinga saved the match at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, by grabbing a second half brace using her individual brilliance, forcing the Scorchers to fight extra hard for their victory.
Five minutes later, the Scorchers were ahead from Chawinga again who took three defenders after receiving a pass from Rose Kamdzeka.
Neighborly Cosafa Cup final.
Both Malawi and Zambia share a lot in common such as common values, language, culture, food including borders.
For example, Zambia lineup which defeated Zimbabwe had two Banda’s, two Phiri’s and Jere plus Lungu, names which are widely used in Malawi. If Zambia manages to hold onto the Cosafa women’s title, they will go down in history. And it will be a historical fate for both the men’s and women’s teams to successfully retain the regional championship for the first time.
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At the final whistle, Malawi players sang: “Tili mkuyenda mkuwala kwa Ambuye, aleluya, tili mkuyenda mkuwala kwa Ambuye.” It means: We are walking in the light of God hallelujah; we are walking in the light of God,”.
Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili has therefore warned the defending champions, Zambia, ahead of the clash this Sunday. “Don’t underestimate us, we are coming for you.” he said.
Atteridgeville’s Lucas Moripe Stadium will host the championship game at 15:00 hours. The third/fourth place playoff will see Zimbabwe entertain Mozambique at the same stadium at lunchtime.
