Malawi’s U-20 women’s national football team advanced to the second round of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers, following a 1-1 draw against the Central African Republic (CAR) on May 18.
The result secured a 4-2 aggregate victory for the Young Scorchers, having won the first leg 3-1 at home in Lilongwe on May 11.
In the second leg held in Bangui, CAR took an early lead in the 11th minute through Maimouna Daoud.
However, a strategic halftime substitution by Malawi’s head coach, Maggie Chombo, saw Anna Baziliyo replace Victoria Mkwala.
The change paid off almost immediately, as Leticia Chinyamula equalised just two minutes into the second half.
Coach Chombo praised her team’s resilience, stating, “Central African Republic came hard on the girls, but they never relented. That resilience is what earned us the equaliser and ultimately the qualification,” she said.
Malawi’s starting lineup for the match included: Ireen Sibande (GK), Maureen Kenneth, Olivia Phekani, Talandila Chinyamvula, Asimenye Mwanyongo, Victoria Mkwala (substituted by Anna Baziliyo at halftime), Rose Kabzere, Leticia Chinyamula (captain), Linda Manda, Faith Chinzimu and Fatima Lali.
Looking ahead, Malawi will face South Sudan in the second round of the qualifiers.
South Sudan advanced after a dominant 13-0 aggregate win over Djibouti, including an 8-0 victory in the second leg.
The second-round matches are scheduled for September 2025, with the first leg between September 19–21 and the second leg between September 26–28.
The African qualification pathway for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup comprises four knockout rounds.
Ultimately, four teams from the continent will secure spots at the tournament, set to be held in Poland in August 2026.
