Junior Scorchers out to break history; Sadik says it’s a final

On Saturday evening, Malawi will take on hosts Nigeria in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup match, seeking a historical qualification in Ikenne, Ogun state

The Malawi team will be taking on an experienced side full of hunger, as they have failed to get a qualification the past three seasons in a row.

The Falconets, who have reached this far by beating Senegal 2-1 on aggregate, have tasked their new coach, Moses Aduku, to get a qualification.

Malawi coach Maggie Chombo-Sadik is hopeful of a positive result.

“They will be playing with 11 players, and each player has two legs. Why should we fear? We will take them head-on. To us, this is a final, and we need victory today before a second leg match in Malawi,” she said.

Coach Aduku says Malawi will not be an easy team to beat.

“It is a difficult one, our plan is to get a qualification,” he said.

The return leg will take place at Bingu National Stadium next Saturday. The junior Scorchers reached this far after demolishing Guinea-Bissau 6-2 on aggregate.

In another match, Côte d’Ivoire will take on Benin with Cameroon facing Tanzania. Winners will secure Africa’s four tickets to the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.