FIFA Series: Australia too strong for Malawi

Malawi women’s national team found Australia’s Matildas too strong to handle as they suffered a 0-5 loss at Nyayo Stadium in Kenya in a Four Nations FIFA Series semifinal on Saturday afternoon.

Leicester City’s Emily van Egmond and captain Sam Kerr of Chelsea scored for the Matildas in the first half before Alex Chidiac (FC Como), Melbourne City’s Holly Mcnamara and Leticia McKenna’s second half strikes sealed the final berth.

Malawi without Chawinga stars, Australia name strong squad

In the absence of Chawinga sisters Temwa and Tabitha, the Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili fielded Vanessa Chipikula and Rose Alufandika in attack, Mercy Sikelo kept his place between the sticks while Leticia Chinyamula led the midfield.

On the other hand, Australia coach Joe Montemurro paraded a star-studded starting XI that included Kerr from Chelsea and the most capped Emily van Egmond (178 caps).

Egmond put Australia ahead barely after six minutes into the proceedings for her 28^th goal. She reacted the fastest to a freekick, raced past a defender in the channels to send a low right footed effort away from goalkeeper Sikelo into the net.

It was her 33^rd goal in 178 appearances for the Matildas.

Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie was virtually on holiday. She saved a first shot of the opening half in the 40^th minute when gathering winger Sarah Mlimbika’s free kick. Two minutes later, Chipikula tested the Australian goal minder.

How the first half ended

Two minutes later, Foord cushioned the lead for the Matildas when she pounced on a loose ball which Sikelo had dropped in the box while trying to stop a left-wing delivery from Chelsea’s Sam Kerr. 

Forward Chipikula had a rare chance to score in the opening half from a rebound after the Australia goalkeeper had punched Rose Kadzere’s freekick in the box a minute to the break.

In the second half, Australia added two more goals through Alex Chidiac and Holly Mcnamara to seal the victory. They will meet either India or Kenya in the final.

Starting line-ups:

Malawi: Catherine Sikelo, Bernadetta Mkandawire, Chimwemwe Madise, Faith Chimzimu, Rose Kabzere, Ireene Khumalo, Leticia Chinyamula, Sarah Mlimbika, Sabinah Thom, Vanessa Chipikula, Rose Alufandika

Australia: Mackenzie Arnold, Courtney Nevin, Wini Heatley, Clare Wheeler, Katlyn Torpey, Emily van Egmond, Alex Chidiac, Harley Raso, Sam Kerr, Charlie Rule.

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