WAFCON (Q): Malawi coach credits Tabitha Chawinga for qualification

Malawi women’s football team coach Lovemore Fazili has saluted captain Tabitha Chawinga for leading the Scorchers to their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals on Tuesday.

Fazili’s team booked its place at the continental finals after striker Faith Chinzimu’s late brace handed Malawi a 2-0 victory over Angola at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Tuesday.

Sweden-based 18-year-old striker Chinzimu scored twice inside two minutes to deflate the Angolans. Before conceding, the visitors had matched the hosts pound for pound and even wasted a clear scoring opportunity when they hit the post from the penalty spot in the first half.

The Scorchers had forced a goalless draw in Luanda last Thursday before making use of the home ground advantage, with Chawinga working overtime to keep the hosts’ attack alive.

Fazili explains how Chawinga’s leadership did the trick for Malawi

Fazili described the game as tough, saying the Angolans gave them a good run for their money in the final qualifying round, second leg match.

“What we discussed at half time helped to change the game in our half,” the coach said.

“I am extremely very happy because of this result. I was expecting this result. It was not very easy. Angola was very tough and winning 2-0 at home wasn’t easy. I have to thank the entire coaching panel more, especially the leadership of the captain Tabithat Chawinga.”

For coach Fazili, the qualification is a matter of personal pride. He has become the first-ever coach to take the Scorchers to the WAFCON finals, two years after leading them to their first-ever COSAFA Women’s Championship title in South Africa.

Chawinga has since hailed the home fans and the Football Association of Malawi for their financial and moral support, promising that the team would be ready to compete strongly at the WAFCON finals next year.

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