The Malawi National Women’s football team, famously known as “the Scorchers,” has set the COSAFA Cup Championship alight by advancing to the finals. In a gripping encounter, they defeated Mozambique with a score of 2-1, a triumph largely attributed to the sensational performance of Temwa Chawinga, who netted two crucial goals.^1^
As the tournament reaches its pinnacle, Malawi now eagerly anticipates a showdown with Zambia in the finals. Zambia secured their spot by defeating Zimbabwe 1-0 in a closely contested match.
The Scorchers’ journey to the finals has been nothing short of remarkable. They have showcased their prowess by securing victories over South Africa, Eswatini, Madagascar, and Mozambique. Notably, they commenced the tournament with a thrilling 4-3 win against South Africa and followed it with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Eswatini. Their place in the finals was cemented with a 3-1 victory over Madagascar.
The Scorchers have emerged as the dominant force in the competition, amassing a total of 17 goals. Temwa Chawinga has proven to be their standout performer, leading the tournament’s goal-scoring charts with an impressive tally of 9 goals.
In the finals, Malawi demonstrated exceptional resilience, bouncing back from a first-half own goal that had given Mozambique the lead. However, the second half saw Chawinga’s late brace, extinguishing any hopes of a Mozambican comeback.
While the Scorchers gear up for the finals, they remain the highest-scoring team in the competition, having crushed Eswatini 8-0.
The COSAFA 2023 goal-scorers’ list boasts impressive talents, with Temwa Chawinga leading the pack with 9 goals. Thubelihle Shamase (South Africa) follows with 5 goals, Sarah Jere (Zambia) with 4, and several other talented players who have contributed to the tournament’s excitement.