Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors opened their Three Nations Women’s Tournament campaign with an impressive 2–1 victory over hosts Malawi at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Friday evening.
Ethel Chinyerere was the star of the night, striking twice in the first half to give Zimbabwe a deserved lead and silence the expectant home crowd. Malawi’s Faith Chimzimu pulled one back late in the opening period, but the Scorchers could not find a way past a resolute Zimbabwe side in the second half.
Chinyerere broke the deadlock inside three minutes, finishing decisively after Zimbabwe pressed high from kickoff. She doubled the advantage in the 39th minute, punishing Malawi again with a composed effort that left the stadium stunned.
Chimzimu revived Malawian hopes moments before the break when her shot deflected into the net, but that was as close as the Scorchers came to a comeback. Trailing 2–1 at halftime, Malawi head coach Lovemore Fazili made sweeping changes, bringing on senior players including captain Tabitha Chawinga, Vanessa Chikupira, Sabina Thom and Bernadette Mkandawire.
The hosts improved markedly after the interval, but Zimbabwe goalkeeper Cynthia Shonga produced a standout performance, repeatedly denying Chawinga and frustrating Malawi’s push for an equaliser.
Despite the defeat, Fazili insisted the match offered valuable lessons: “The game was good. I wanted to give opportunities to other players and they performed well. There are positives to take forward.”
His opposite number, Sithethelewe Sibanda, hailed her team’s discipline after months without international football. “It was a tough match. We knew Malawi had better cohesion after playing recently, but our tactical organisation and defensive shape helped us manage the game,” she said.
Zimbabwe will face Zambia next as the tournament concludes on Tuesday, while Malawi will be desperate to rebound against the Copper Queens on home soil.