Junior Scorchers edge close to WC Qualifiers

Malawi's Under-20 Women's Football team, the Junior Scorchers, are one step closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 World Cup after securing a spot in the final round of qualification with a 6-2 aggregate win over Guinea Bissau on Saturday.

The team delivered a stunning second-half performance, netting four goals to secure a 5-1 win at the Bingu National Stadium.

Guinea Bissau took an early lead through Lamarana Bali in the second minute but Malawi equalized four minutes later as it was 1-1 at break.

In the second half, Victoria Mkwala scored in the 53rd minute, and Fatima Lali extended the lead in the 72nd minute. Mayamiko Mkandawire scored a stunner from distance, and Lali sealed her brace in the 93rd minute.

Head coach Maggie Chombo-Sadick praised her team's fighting spirit, saying, "We had another bad performance in the first half, but after talking to the girls, they delivered an exceptional performance."

The Junior Scorchers will face the winner of Nigeria vs Senegal in the fourth round. The first leg is scheduled for May 1-3, 2026, with the return leg on May 8-10, 2026.