Team Malawi girls have qualified for Confederation of African Football (CAF) Girls finals Tournament.
Despite a 3-1 loss, Malawi Girls Team will join South Africa in the continental finals next year after South Africa qualified as holders.
South Africa has been crowned as champions in both the Boys and the Girls competitions at the CAF African Schools Football Championship COSAFA Qualifier in Walvis Bay, Namibia on Sunday as they defended their title to secure a place at the finals and Malawi came second in the female football.
The Boys beat Zambia 4-2 on penalties after they had played to a 1-1 draw, while the Girls had to come from behind as they defeated Malawi 3-1 in their decider.
On the first day, Malawi took charge of Group A in the Boys competition after they claimed a 5-0 win over hosts Namibia and followed that up with a 4-0 success against Lesotho.
Meanwhile, The Malawi girls’ football team made a triumphant leap into the CAF African Schools Championship qualifier final after claiming a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in the semi-finals held in South Africa on Saturday.
Kalua was also honoured with the Player of the Match award, a testament to her outstanding display on the pitch.
It has been a dream run for the Malawian girls. They kicked off the tournament with a sensational 6-0 victory against Lesotho.
Their path to the semi-finals was further eased when Zambia failed to show up.
Speaking in an interview, Blackson Malamula, president of the Malawi Schools Sports Association, hailed the girls and boys for their remarkable perfomance.
“Reaching the final is an accomplishment, and they deserve to celebrate. Even though we have been defeated by South Africa in the final, I am so glad the girls remained focused,” he said.
Meanwhile, Malawian girls goalkeeper Okester Kanyenda has won the Golden Boot at the CAF African Schools Championship COSAFA Qualifier, scoring an impressive four goals in the male football.
Malawi also won Fairplay award, which recognised the teams’ sportsmanship, respect, and integrity throughout the competition.
Malawi team delegation travelled to Namibia by road covering 2600 kilometres.
