Malawi can’t bank on Tabitha, Temwa only – Fazili

Malawi women’s coach Lovemore Fazili has justified his decision to field a second-string side in the 1-2 loss to Zimbabwe in a three-nation international tournament opener in Lilongwe on Friday.

The Scorchers mentor made wholesale changes to his squad, including starting skipper Tabitha Chawinga, first-choice goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo, attackers Vanessa Chakupila and Sabina Thom on the substitutes’ bench at Bingu National Stadium.

The Mighty Warriors seized the advantage. Striker Ethel Chinyerere scored a first-half brace to edge the Scorchers whose only reply came from Sweden-based Faith Chimzimu.

Fazili tried to chase the game by introducing the Olympique Lyonnes forward in the second half. However, Zimbabwe put many bodies behind the ball and wound down the clock until the final whistle to dampen the mood among the home crowd.

What Fazili said.

In a post-match interview, the 2023 COSAFA Championship-winning coach defended his fielding of players, saying he wants to create depth in his squad.

“If we always bank on 11 players then it poses a challenge, so I had to feature other players. We cannot say we have a team when we always rely on Faith Chimzimu, Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga. Even in goals, we need to try other players,” the Silver Strikers legend said.

“My aim and that of the technical panel is to widen the pool and have those players on the bench ready to play. Football can be very challenging as there are always issues of coping with injuries and illnesses, so we need to have a wide pool of 20 players instead.”

Fazili said he is using the tournament involving Zimbabwe and Zambia to prepare for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled for Morocco next year.

Malawi have a full strength squad at the tournament save for America-based Temwa who is injured.

Three-Nation Tournament Fixtures

Sunday

Malawi v Zambia @ 3pm Southern African time

Tuesday

Zambia v Zimbabwe @ 3pm Southern African time