Malawi’s head coach, Maggie Chombo, remains optimistic about her team’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, despite a two-goal loss in the first leg against Nigeria’s Falconets.
The Young Scorchers were defeated 2-0 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Saturday. The first goal came early in the second half when an own goal by Maureen Kenneth put Nigeria ahead in the 46th minute. Kindness Ifeanyi, who came off the bench, doubled the lead for the home side in the 57th minute.
Speaking after the match, Chombo expressed confidence that her team can turn the tie around. She noted that a single goal conceded disrupted their concentration and allowed Nigeria to score twice. However, she highlighted that the return leg will be played on their home turf, giving them a similar advantage. “We believe we can do the same as they did at home,” she said.
The second leg is scheduled for Saturday, 9 May, at Bingu National Stadium in Malawi.