Chinzimu,Kabzere available for Nigeriamatch

The Malawi Under-20 Women’s National Football Team have received a timely boost ahead of Saturday’s Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup final qualification round second leg against Nigeria following the availability of Europe-based duo of Faith Chinzimu and Rose Kabzere. Malawi will be out to overturn a two-goal deficit at Bingu National Stadium (BNS) in Lilongwe having lost the first leg 2-0 away in Lagos last week. The duo missed the first leg due to club commitments.

But speaking on the sidelines of the National Bank of Malawi (NBM) Football Awards Gala on Tuesday in Blantyre, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Fleetwood Haiya said the duo will be available for the return leg. “Chinzimu and Kabzere will be with us as we will be fighting to overturn the tables against Nigeria at home. We trust their capabilities and we believe they will play a big role in the second leg,” he said.

Haiya has since urged Malawians to throng BNS and support their team as entry will be free. In an interview yesterday, Chinzimu said she is ready to represent her nation in the bid for a slot at the global showpiece while Kabzere was not available for comment. “It’s a great opportunity for me to help my friends in the Under 20 World Cup campaign.

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Our chances for qualification are 50:50 because if Nigeria could score two goals in 90 minutes at their backyard, then we can also do the same or even score more at home,” she said. Malawi Under-20 Women’s National Football Team coach Maggie Chombo-Sadiki yesterday described the duo’s availability as a big boost to their campaign, especially at a time they need improved fire-power to overcome Nigeria’s advantage. “In the first leg in Nigeria, you could see that our last touches in front of goal were not effective.

Chinzimu and Kabzere will bring the experience and the quality for us to score goals,” she said. Malawi have never qualified for the Under-20 Women’s World Cup while Nigeria are seeking a 12th consecutive appearance.

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