Malawi women’s national football team yesterday recovered from their opening loss at Cosafa Women’s Championship to beat Mozambique 3-2 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in South Africa.
Zainab Kapanda, Sabina Thom and Ireen Khumalo were on target for the Scorchers while Mozambique scored through Cina Manue and Cidalia Cuta goals.
However, the Scorchers had to come from behind to claim the victory in the five-goal thriller.
Two quick two goals from Manuel in 12th minute and Cuta in 13th minute jolted the Scorchers to pull up their socks.
The response was swift and effective as Kapanda pulled one back in the 20th minute before Thom scored the equaliser in the 32nd minute.
The two sides were still tied two-all at half time before Khumalo netted the winner for Malawi in the 57th.
Coach McNebert Kazuwa thanked his charges for the positive response after conceding the two goals,
He said: “It has been a good performance. We did not start well, considering that we conceded two goals within 14 minutes.
“But after talking to the girls, they changed the game as the first half ended 2-2. At half-time we said we need to win this game and we did it.”
On his part, Mozambique coach Ferizarda Lemos said the loss means they have to work hard and beat South Africa to stay in contention.
She said: “It’s really sad that we have lost after scoring first the two goals. We will now prepare for the game against South Africa.
“We know we will be playing defending champions and we will approach the game with determination to win.”
Leaders South Africa were taking on Angola as we went to press in the other group’s encounter.
Group winners and best runners-up will qualify for the semi-finals.
