Malawi name squad for 2025 COSAFA Under-17 Girls’ Championship

Malawi coach Chisomo Nkhoma has named a 20-member squad for the 2025 COSAFA Under-17 Girls’ Championship that will be staged in Windhoek, Namibia from May 10-17.

The squad includes several returnees from the 2024 edition, including Joyce Makweya, Faluna Umali, Emily Samuel, Bridget Afiki, Jacqueline Kamputa, Thokozani Enock and Ethel Tambala, bringing valuable experience to the team.

The Young Scorchers kick off their campaign against hosts Namibia on May 10, followed by a match against Comoros the following day. The team is scheduled to depart for Namibia on Wednesday.

Malawi did not enter the first three editions of the COSAFA Under-17 Girls’ Championship but finished third on debut in 2022 when they hosted the competition. They lost on penalties to Zambia in the semifinals.

The tournament was not played in 2023, but Malawi returned for last year’s edition. They lost to South Africa (2-4) and Madagascar (2-4), but thumped Namibia 6-1, which will give them cause for confidence going into Saturday’s opener.

MALAWI SQUAD
Goalkeepers
Dorothy Manda (Luwinga Academy)
Rhoda Peter (Luwinga Academy)
Bridget Afiki (TC11)

Defenders
Thokozani Enock (TC11)
Wongani Kapalamula (Luwinga Academy)
Emily Samuel (Civil Service)
Jacqueline Kamuputa (Civil Service)
Joyce Makweya (Kukoma Mtopwa)
Chrissy Munthali (Topic Sisters)

Midfielders
Ethel Tambala (Ascent Academy)
Oreen Luhanga (Ascent Academy)
Talandira Kachala (Luwinga Academy)
Juliet Kalua (Ascent Academy)
Alinafe Nyirenda (Creck SC)
Chisomo Mtelara (Luwinga Academy)
Cecelia Mzima (Topic Sisters)
Faluna Umali (Mighty Wanderers)

Forwards
Memory Malenga (Creck SC)
Tamandani Chilimba (Luwinga Academy)
Tryness Chawala (TC11)