Scorchers to face Nigeria today as Malawi’s Under-20 Women’s National Team take on their West African counterparts in a crucial first-leg encounter of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final round.
The Young Scorchers will battle Nigeria at the Remo Stars Stadium, with kick-off set for Saturday, in what is expected to be a tightly contested match.
Head coach Maggie Chombo has expressed confidence in her squad, saying the players are in good condition and ready for the challenge.
“The girls are looking good for the match. They have responded well to every drill, and we are expecting a good game,” said Chombo.
She added that facing Nigeria is a source of motivation for the team rather than pressure, urging Malawians to rally behind the Young Scorchers as they aim for a historic qualification.
Meeting Nigeria does not give us pressure; it motivates both the technical panel and the players. It is a reminder that we have come from far to reach this stage, and that alone is an achievement”.
Malawi heads into the fixture on the back of an impressive campaign, having eliminated Central African Republic, South Sudan and Guinea-Bissau to reach this stage.
The team has scored 13 goals and conceded just four, registering three wins and three draws along the way.
Captain Leticia Chinyamula said the team is inspired by senior national team stars Temwa Chawinga and Tabitha Chawinga, and is determined to make the nation proud.
“We are ready to give everything for our country. This is our moment to prove ourselves,” she said.
The return leg is scheduled for 9 May at the Bingu National Stadium, with the winner over two legs booking a place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
