Haalubono: ‘Malawi women’s team on Zambia’s level’

Zambia women’s team stand-in coach Charles Haalubono has given his candid assessment of the strength of neighbours and rivals Malawi.

The Scorchers and the Copper Queens have met thrice this year with two games ending in a draw and the rest being a win each for Zambia and Malawi.

In the latest meeting, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)-bound opponents shared the spoils at 1-1 during a game for the three-nation tournament which the Football Association of Malawi is hosting in Lilongwe on Sunday.

Earlier, Zambia beat Malawi 2-0 before the latter avenged with a 3-2 victory in the reverse fixture during a double header of friendlies played in Lusaka in February.

Halubono took charge of the Zambian team in the absence of Nora Häuptle who is reportedly unwell, and he assessed Sunday’s game.

The assistant coach for Zambia is quoted as having told the Football Association of Malawi website that the Scorchers’ performance has improved tremendously.

What Halubono said about Malawi women’s team

“Malawi keeps on improving. We are now at the same level. I follow Malawian women’s football and I know some of the players. I am sure we will have strong teams in the Southern Region,” Haalubono said.

Meanwhile, Malawi finished at the bottom of the table for the ongoing tournament after losing 1-2 to Zimbabwe before sharing the spoils with the Copper Queens. The Mighty Warriors now date the Copper Queens in the final on Tuesday.

Lovemore Fazili’s team is gearing up for its maiden appearance at next year’s WAFCON finals in Morocco. Zambia will also be among the participants.