Malawi 2-0 Zimbabwe: Chawinga sisters give Scorchers first-leg lead in Olympic qualifier

Malawi’s Scorchers beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in the first leg of their 2028 Olympic Games qualifier at Bingu National Stadium on Friday.

Sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga scored the goals, giving Malawi a healthy lead before the return leg in Harare next week.

Temwa Chawinga put the hosts ahead in the 34th minute with a simple finish inside the box. Captain Tabitha started the move, driving forward from the left wing, and miscommunication in the Zimbabwe defence left Temwa with the chance.

Tabitha Chawinga doubled the lead in the 50th minute, finishing from inside the area shortly after half-time.

Malawi created more chances in search of a third but could not convert them.

Talandira Chinyamvula replaced Rose Kadzere in the 73rd minute, Malawi’s first change.

Zimbabwe came close to pulling one back in the 81st minute. Mupeti was through one-on-one with goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo but hesitated, and defender Chimwemwe Madise stepped in with a vital interception to protect the clean sheet.

The second leg takes place in Harare next week.