By Burnett Munthali
The Zambia Women’s National Team wrapped up their two-match FIFA International Friendly series with a narrow 3-2 loss to Malawi at the REIZ Arena (formerly Woodlands Stadium) on Tuesday.
Despite an early lead and a spirited fightback, the Copper Queens found themselves undone by a resilient Malawian side, led by the influential Tabitha Chawinga.
Zambia started the match with confidence, asserting their dominance from the first whistle.
Their early pressure paid off in the 6th minute when defender Martha Tembo unleashed a powerful shot that ricocheted off the post.
The ball fell kindly to Racheal Kundananji, who reacted quickly to slot home the rebound, marking her second goal in as many games.
The goal gave the Copper Queens an early advantage and further reinforced their attacking intent.
Despite Zambia’s control in the opening half, Malawi grew into the game and looked more dangerous as the match progressed.
The Scorchers came out with renewed energy after the break and wasted no time in restoring parity. Just two minutes into the second half, captain Tabitha Chawinga played a key role in the equalizer, setting up Rose Kabzere, whose effort caught Zambia’s goalkeeper Ngambo Musole off guard, leveling the score at 1-1.
Buoyed by the equalizer, Malawi continued to press forward and soon turned the game in their favor. In the 56th minute, Chawinga once again turned provider, delivering a well-timed pass to Faith Chimzimu, who calmly slotted past Musole to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.
The Copper Queens, visibly rattled, struggled to contain Malawi’s attacking momentum, and just two minutes later, Sabina Thom extended the lead with a clinical finish, making it 3-1.
With Zambia now chasing the game, coach Nora Häuptle introduced substitutes in an attempt to change the tide.
The tactical adjustments paid off in the 80th minute when Mercy Chipasula delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, finding the towering presence of Racheal Nachula.
Rising above her marker, Nachula directed a powerful header past the Malawian goalkeeper, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and reigniting hopes of a comeback.
The Copper Queens piled on the pressure in the final minutes, desperately searching for an equalizer. Captain Barbra Banda came agonizingly close when her thunderous shot struck the crossbar, leaving the home crowd in frustration.
Nachula, who had been lively since her introduction, also had a late opportunity to level the score but fired wide from close range.
Despite their late resurgence, Zambia could not find the much-needed equalizer, and the final whistle confirmed Malawi’s 3-2 victory.
The result meant that the Copper Queens concluded the February FIFA international window with a win and a loss, gaining valuable match fitness as they prepare for the upcoming TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2025.
While the defeat was disappointing, Zambia will take lessons from the match as they continue refining their tactics and strengthening their squad ahead of competitive fixtures.
