Mighty Warriors humiliated as Malawi run riot at National Sports Stadium
By Milton Marima
Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors suffered a humiliating 7–0 defeat at the hands of Malawi’s Scorchers at the National Sports Stadium in Harare yesterday, crashing out of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers 9–0 on aggregate.
The visitors, who had won the first leg 2–0 in Lilongwe, continued their dominance with a clinical attacking display that exposed Zimbabwe’s defensive weaknesses.
Temwa Chawinga opened the scoring in the 10th minute before doubling Malawi’s advantage in the 30th minute following a brilliant pass from Ireen Khumalo.
The Mighty Warriors went into the half-time break trailing 2–0, but their hopes of a comeback were dealt another blow seven minutes after the restart when Tabitha Chawinga made it 3–0 in the 52nd minute after being set up by Asimenye Simwaka.
Temwa then completed her hat-trick in the 56th minute with a well-timed pass from her sister and captain, Tabitha, putting Malawi firmly in control at 4–0.
With the match effectively beyond Zimbabwe’s reach, Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili withdrew the dangerous Chawinga sisters in the 60th minute, but the goals continued to flow.
Substitute Chisomo Banda fired home from about 20 metres in the 86th minute before Asimenye Simwaka added the sixth two minutes later after receiving a fine pass from Rose Kadzere.
Substitute Sarah Mulimbika completed the rout in the 90th minute after being set up by Faith Chinzimu, sealing a commanding victory for the Scorchers.
Zimbabwe’s defensive organisation and inability to contain Malawi’s forward movement proved costly, while the visitors made the most of their attacking opportunities.
The result ended the Mighty Warriors’ Olympic qualifying campaign, while Malawi advanced to the third round, where they are scheduled to face Kenya in February 2027.
