By Blessings Chitekwere and Noel Mkwaila
The Scorchers have made history in their maiden WAFCON appearance by going beyond the group stage. Malawi edged past Nigeria 3-2 before defeating Egypt 3-1. They lost to Zambia 2-1 but eventually finished top of Group C after the head-to-head calculations, with results against Egypt disregarded.
With the three teams all having a goal difference of zero, Malawi made the cut after scoring four goals, the most among the three teams.
In the quarterfinals, the Scorchers went past Ghana with a 2-1 victory to book a semifinal slot, where they will face Algeria. The team has scored nine goals and conceded six so far.
While the Chawinga sisters have provided the attacking thrust, Leticia Chinyamula and Madyina Nguluwe have been instrumental in the midfield. The double pivot started all three group-stage games but missed the quarterfinal after both accumulated two yellow cards. Chikondi Gondwe, who plays for Silver Strikers Ladies in the local National Bank of Malawi Women’s Premiership, stepped in.
Pundits and analysts back home have commended her performance, as she bossed the midfield and kept the Black Queens’ dynamic midfield, anchored by Grace Asantewaa and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, busy and at bay.
Gondwe also contributed to the equalising goal by intercepting a ball in midfield and starting a move that eventually found its way into the back of the net. She also had an attempt in the 76th minute which was deflected, with goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan managing to catch it.
Not only was she able to defend well and contribute in attack, but the towering midfielder also managed the game without committing dangerous fouls. She finished the match without being booked while putting in a disciplined shift defensively.
What stands out even more is that it was Gondwe’s first appearance at the tournament, yet she delivered an impressive performance at a very crucial and difficult stage.
For sure, her brilliance would leave Lovemore Fazili and his backroom staff with a headache over who to start against Algeria. Chinyamula and Ngulube are the regulars and sought-after options for the team, but Gondwe stepped into their place and delivered an equally brilliant performance.
A local football analyst and tactician who holds a FAM D coaching licence and works as a media personnel, Eric Chiputula, believes that while it may present a selection headache, it is equally an advantage for the Malawi technical panel.
“Gondwe really played well, and the coach might think twice about who to start the game come Wednesday. She was brilliant in both defence and offence, but we must look at what made her perform that way.
“The coach should also not just look at having to start her because she performed well. That decision should come from the tactical demand of the game. It just shows that the team is now assured of more options. If Algeria will come to defend with their low block, it is better for the Scorchers to deploy a double pivot of attacking midfielders, and a double pivot of defending midfielders if Algeria will come to attack, so that the Scorchers can have more numbers in defence,” explained Chiputula.
But things get even more complicated as Kabzere, who has recorded two goals and an assist, will miss the semifinal after accumulating two yellow cards.
Her absence removes another important option from Fazili’s selection sheet, meaning the Scorchers will have to find a way to replace both her attacking influence and the balance she provides in the final third.
A win for the Scorchers would take them to the final, where their opponent would either be Morocco or Cameroon, and would secure an even richer chapter in the history of a debutant.
Standing in their way are Algeria, who have conceded just two goals at the tournament while scoring six. They defeated Senegal and Kenya by 2-0 margins before losing 1-0 to Morocco in the group stage. They booked their place in the semifinals after edging Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in the quarterfinals.
Speaking ahead of the semifinal tie, head coach Lovemore Fazili has said the players did not go on honeymoon because of what they have achieved, with the objective ultimately being to bring the trophy to Malawi and the COSAFA region.
“And back home, this is very good and everyone is happy, and we are happy with them. Being it the very first time, I am extremely happy for making it this far, and we are looking forward to another victory in the semifinal against Algeria.”
One thing or two will remain constant.
The Chawingas, Tabitha and Temwa, will start up front, tormenting the Fennecs as they have done throughout the tournament. The backline of full-backs Bernadetta Mkandawire and Ireen Khumalo, and centre-backs Chimwemwe Madise and Rose Alufandika, will start, with Mercy Sikelo manning the posts.
The biggest question, however, rests in the engine room.
With Chinyamula and Nguluwe returning from suspension and Gondwe having announced herself on the continental stage with a performance that could hardly be ignored, Fazili now has a decision to make.
Does he restore the established double pivot?
Or does he reward the midfielder who stepped into the breach and delivered when the Scorchers needed her most?
The answer may depend less on reputation and more on what Algeria bring to the pitch.
A low block may demand creativity and attacking numbers.
An aggressive Algerian press may require defensive solidity and legs in the middle of the park.
Either way, the Scorchers have options.
And that is a good problem to have at this stage of the competition.
As Malawi chase more history, perhaps a selection headache awaits.
