“Mighty Warriors face Malawi in crucial Olympic qualifier”
By Milton Marima
Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors will begin their 2028 Olympic qualification campaign against Malawi when the two sides meet in the first leg of the second-round qualifier at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Friday.
The match, scheduled for a 3pm kick-off, presents a major test for the Mighty Warriors, who are aiming to return to the Olympic Games after making their only appearance at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The Zimbabwean side, now under new coach Stella Gotal, goes into the encounter with renewed confidence following the inclusion of several foreign-based players and returnees. Ten members of the 24-player squad are based outside Zimbabwe, with six players in line for their first international caps.
Captain Emmaculate Msipa says the squad has developed a positive atmosphere in camp and believes the blend of experienced players and new faces can give Zimbabwe an advantage.
However, Malawi will provide a stern challenge after their impressive run at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where the Scorchers reached the final and won silver medals.
The return leg will be played at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Tuesday, October 13. The match will, however, be played behind closed doors following CAF sanctions affecting the next ZIFA-organised home international.
The Mighty Warriors will therefore be hoping to secure a positive result in Lilongwe before returning home with the Olympic dream firmly in sight.
