Under-20 Women hope to upset Nigeria’s advantage
Malawi U20 Women’s Football National Team yesterday lost 2-0 to hosts Nigeria in the 2026 Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup final qualification round first leg. In a match monitored on Nigeria Football Federation Television, Malawi’s series of avoidable defensive errors within a space of 12 minutes after the restart proved costly as they gave away … The post Under-20 Women hope to upset Nigeria’s advantage appeared first on Nation Online.
Black News 
Malawi U20 Women’s Football National Team yesterday lost 2-0 to hosts Nigeria in the 2026 Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup final qualification round first leg.
In a match monitored on Nigeria Football Federation Television, Malawi’s series of avoidable defensive errors within a space of 12 minutes after the restart proved costly as they gave away a spirited first-half display.
The Maggie Chombo-Sadiki-coached side had a good start as they put up a gallant fight to consistently repel Nigeria’s attack in the first half and they forced a goalless tie by half-time break.
However, they appeared disorganised just after the break with a string of some defensive errors. The defenders struggled to clear their lines as they bumped into each other before conceded a throw-in.
Just a minute into the second half, the Nigerians flooded the Malawi box, causing confusion among defenders as Mary Mamudu’s seemingly harmless shot took a deflection on Malawi defender Maureen Kenneth, who turned the ball into her own net.
In the 57th minute, another wave of Nigerian attack ended into a goal. After the Malawi defenders were dispossessed in the middle of the park and Malawi goalkeeper Emily Nkhwazi could not have an easy pick as Kindness Chinaza Ifeanyi rounded her and made a simple finish.
After the incident, Mkhwazi appeared injured and was immediately replaced by Esther Maulidi.
Chombo-Sadiki described the loss as a misfortune and said they will rectify their mistakes to upset the Nigerians’ advantage as the two sides meet in the second leg next Saturday at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
“We conceded silly goals that could be easily avoided,” she said. “We will do our homework to upset the poor result in the return leg,” she said.
Malawi must beat Nigeria on aggregate in two legs to be among the four African teams that will progress to the 2026 Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Poland from September 5 to 27 this year.
While Malawi has never qualified for the Under-20 Women’s World Cup, Nigeria is seeking a 12th consecutive appearance.
The post Under-20 Women hope to upset Nigeria’s advantage appeared first on Nation Online.
