The Copper Queens and the Scorchers of Malawi played to a 1-1 draw on Sunday at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe at the ongoing Three Nations Tournament.
It started as a cagey affair from the onset with both sides looking to stamp their authority on the encounter.
Malawi’s first big chance came in the 23rd minute as Sarah Mulimbika set up Tabitha Chawinga, but her shot was blocked by Hazel Nali. Sabina Thom went for the rebound, but a Zambia defender cleared it.
Three minutes later, Tabitha Chawinga used her pace well to break through with only the goalkeeper to beat, but Nali again came to the rescue making a fantastic save.
Tabitha was a thorn in the Zambia defense and blasted a shot over the bar moments later.
On the other end ZANACO Ladies forward Regina Chanda ballooned a good chance for Zambia to take the lead. The match went to the break still goalless.
In the second stanza Malawi picked up where they left off with Sarah Mulimbika’s shot missed the goal by a whisker just eight minutes into the second half.
The press finally paid off two minutes later as Rose Kadzere put the Scorchers in the lead in the 55th minute with a brilliant strike from outside the box.
The lead only lasted ten minutes as substitute Natasha ‘Little Tasha’ Nanyangwe headed in a beautiful cross from ZESCO Ndola Girls wing wizard Eneless Phiri to level matters.
The goal was Nanyangwe’s first in national colours and she will hope to add to her tally in the coming games.
Both teams had chances to take the lead with Mercy Chipasula’s looping shot being cleared off the line but no team could find the winner, 1-1 the match finished.
Zambia will now face Zimbabwe on Tuesday in the second and final game to decide the winner of the tournament.
Full-Time
Malawi 1-1 Zambia
(Rose Kadzere 55’| Natasha Nanyangwe 65′)
