FIFA U-20 Qualifier: Malawi coach vows to attack Central African Republic

Sadiki: Photo Credit: Football Association of Malawi.

Malawi under-20 national women’s football team coach Maggie Chombo-Sadiki says she wants her charges to go flat out attacking the Central African Republic on Sunday, May 18, 2025, in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The coach warned her charges against opting for a defensive approach when facing the Central Africans on a neutral turf in Doula, Cameroon. She said their 3-1 lead from the first leg of the African qualifiers does not guarantee a safe passage to the next round.

“We are going into this match with the same mentality as the first leg—to attack and control the game. We know it will not be an easy game, but our approach remains the same. We are not here to defend the lead. We want to win,” Chombo told Malawi FA media.

Malawi won in Lilongwe last weekend; hence, they hold a two-goal advantage going into the reverse fixture.

Sadiki has beefed up her squad with Ascent Academy FC star Faith Chimzimu and France-based striker Rose Kabzere. The coach said the duo missed the first leg due to other commitments.

“We had them in our plans, but Faith was in Europe undergoing trials, and Rose was also committed to her club,” she said.

The winner between Malawi and CAR will face either Djibouti or South Sudan in September.

The fourth and final African nation will represent Africa at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026, set for August.