For sporting greatness to be achieved, there needs to be a defining moment. The Lucas Moripe Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday was the scene where an obsession finally became reality and history was made.
Malawi Women’s Football team departure to the rainbow nation a fortnight ago was boosted by good news from the Goshen City Trust who pumped millions for the team to use through out the tournament.
“We are going their to win the trophy” team captain Temwa Chawinga made a promise to Goshen City Trust founder Prophet Shepard Bushiri who admitted that he would want to see the team lift the regional showpiece.
Indeed, hundreds of millions of Kwacha’s have been spent as Goshen Trust gave the team K29 million to cutter logistical expenses with extra K10 million for allowances, and finally the girls have done the right job to bring home the trophy after a 2-1 win over Zambia which will live long in the memory for the significance of the result, rather than the match itself.
“I am short of words, but I am very happy that we have managed to win this trophy after great fighting spirit from the ladies” said Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili who was in a jovial mood.
Sabina Thom was the match-winner, restoring Scorchers’ lead in the 91st minute shortly after Àgnes Banda cancelled out Malawi’s lead through Asimenye Simwaka’s first half strike.
It was a game of more chances especially on the part of Malawi.
Zambia started well and they could have taken the lead after 10 minutes but Sarah Jere’s effort was saved by Malawi goalies Mercy Sikelo, while Scorchers created first clear chance after 22 minutes when Chimwemwe Madise’s close range header went over the bar.
Asimenye Simwaka gave the Scorchers the lead after 34 minutes following a series of Malawi’s high-energy, aggressive pressing that left Zambia with little to show in the first half.
Simwaka received the ball from Temwa Chawinga in the box before turning and smash it into the net.
Sabina Thom thought she had doubled Scorchers lead on 44th minute but his goal was ruled out by VAR after Chawinga had fouled Lushomo Mweemba in the build up.
In the second half, Malawi continued to probe for doubling the lead while Zambia continued to defend brilliantly until Zambia made double substitutions at 70th minute when they introduced Comfort Seleman and Regina Chanda for Susan Banda and Eneles Phiri that completely changed the complexion of the match.
Zambia got an equalizer after 84 minutes through Agnes Phiri’s spot kick following a handball in the box by Ireen Khumalo.
Just when everybody thought it would go down to penalties, Thom had other ideas as her effort landed into the net in the first minute of seven that were added. 1-2 it ended in favor of Malawi.
Malawi started off the campaign with a 4-3 victory over South Africa before beating eSwatini and Madagascar 8-0 and 3-1 respectively to finish group stages with a 100 percent record.
The Scorchers went on to defeat Mozambique 2-1 in the semi finals before completing the job today by beating Zambia with the same margin.
