W’Cup qualifier: Malawi coach vows to stop Falconets

Malawi women’s U-20 head coach Maggie Chombo believes her team can overturn their first-leg deficit against Nigeria when they host the Falconets in the second leg of the final round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

The Falconets dominated the first leg in Ikenne on Saturday, earning a 2-0 win over their Malawian counterparts.

The victory boosted Nigeria’s chances of securing yet another spot at the tournament, where they have been ever-present since it was launched as an U-19 competition in Canada in 2002.

After a goalless first half, Nigeria took the lead through an own goal by Maureen Kenneth, before Kindness Ifeanyi doubled the advantage.

Malawi attempted a late rally, but Nigeria’s defensive structure held firm. With a two-goal cushion, head coach Moses Adukwu will lead his side into the second leg in a week’s time with the upper hand. However, Chombo remains confident her team can turn the tie around.

“We have learnt, and we will go back and work on those areas,” she said after the first leg.

“They have managed to score on their pitch, but we are going to do so as well in front of our supporters. Everything is possible, and we are going to do our best to win the game at home.”

The return leg is scheduled for the Bingu National Stadium on Saturday, May 9, with kick-off set for 3pm Malawi time (2pm in Nigeria).

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