Sports analyst Dan Chemis believes the Malawi national women’s football team lost their opening match of the 2025 COSAFA Women’s Championship because their focus is tilted toward the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Malawi began their campaign with a 2–0 defeat to the hosts, South Africa women’s national team at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The Scorchers started the game at a high tempo and enjoyed good spells of possession but failed to convert their chances.
After the break, South Africa capitalised on defensive lapses. Captain Sibulele Holweni opened the scoring, tapping in after a dangerous dead-ball delivery from Sinegugu Zondi unsettled the Malawi defence.
Late in the second half, Bonolo Mokoma doubled the lead with a close-range, side-footed finish.
Malawi head coach, Lovemore Fazili, said the team still has plenty to offer despite the defeat.
“We made simple mistakes that we should have handled better. These are areas we will correct in training,” Fazili said.
Chemis described Group A as tricky, warning that Angola will pose a stern test.
“It is obvious we will beat Lesotho, but the challenge will be Angola. We will be under pressure to perform. Angola has a good squad and it is a tough assignment,” he said.
“The problem is that the girls are focusing on WAFCON and it is affecting their character on the pitch. Let them play freely to get results.”
Malawi have already qualified for their maiden appearance at WAFCON, which will be held in Morocco from 17 March to 3 April 2026.
In Group A, Angola lead with three points after a 3–1 win over Lesotho. South Africa are second with the same number of points but an inferior goal tally. Lesotho sit third without a point but rank above Malawi on goals scored, with both sides having a negative 2 goals difference.
Malawi will face Lesotho on 21 February at 12:00 at Sethogo Stadium, while South Africa take on Angola later that afternoon at the same venue.
In Group B, today, Eswatini meet Zimbabwe at 12:00 at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, followed by Zambia against Botswana at 15:00.
Group C action begins on Friday at 12:00, with Mozambique facing Namibia, while Namibia will later play Madagascar three days after their opener.
