The Malawi U17 girls team have started their 2024 COSAFA Girls Under 17 Championship on a low note after going down 4-2 to hosts South Africa in their group B opening match.
The hosts looked hungry for early goals right from the first whistle as they created numerous scoring opportunities in the opening minutes but could not beat goalkeeper Esther Maulidi. They finally broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute through Leonay Kock.
Malawi Coach Linda Kasenda used all the ten infield players that she travelled with in the first group which arrived on Monday resting the seven girls who joined the team yesternight but pressure at the back made her make an early change introducing Grace Khunga for Ethel Tambala at 34 minutes.
South Africa got a penalty in the 36th minute following a foul in the box and captain Katleho Malebana converted from the spot to make it 2-0 for the hosts by half time.
The second half started with a double change for Malawi with Jean Fyson and Asimenye Mwanyongo replacing Enelesi Fabiano and Faluna Umali respectively. Mwanyongo made an immediate impact pulling one back for Malawi just a minute after her introduction.
Malawi tried to push for an equalizer but the hosts defended well. Knock then claimed a quick brace to claim a hattrick before Fatima Mali scored Malawi’s second goal two minutes before the end of the match.
Malawi will play Madagascar in the second group stage match on Saturday. Group winners and best runner-up will qualify to the knockout stage.
