The Malawi Schools Girls National Football Team lost 1-0 to Benin in the opening match of the 2025 Caf African Schools Championship at University of Ghana Stadium (Pitch Two) Wednesday.
The defeat has reduced Malawi’s chances of qualifying for the semifinals.
This means Malawi must beat hosts Ghana and Morocco in their remaining Group A matches today.
After a barren first half, Benin broke the deadlock through Marcelle Gbenameto in the 30th minute of the second half.
Gbenameto capitalised on poor communication between goalkeeper Dorothy Manda and the defenders.
Nine minutes later, Hamida Lifa had a chance to pull Malawi level but the ball struck the post.
Malawi coach Bridget Chirwa was optimistic that the girls would bounce back quickly.
“It was a good match and we managed to hold them in the first half but, in the second half, the players lost confidence,” Chirwa said.
She said she was not happy with the defence in the first match.
“Our defenders were jittery but we will rectify the problem,” she said.
In another Group A match yesterday, hosts Ghana defeated Morocco 1-0.
Ghana and Benin are tied on top with three points each whereas Malawi and Morocco have no point.
Two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
The Malawi girls’ team booked a place at this year’s finals after finishing as runners-up to South Africa during the Cosafa Qualifier regional play-offs in Namibia last year.
0 Comments