Captain Leticia Chinyamula has expressed immense pride after Malawi’s Junior Scorchers became the only side from the COSAFA region to reach the final qualifying round of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup African qualifiers.

The Junior Scorchers advanced to the decisive fourth round following a dominant 6–2 aggregate triumph over Guinea-Bissau in the third round, keeping alive their dream of a maiden World Cup appearance.

Malawi will now face African heavyweights Nigeria women’s national under-20 football team in a two-legged playoff scheduled for May. The winner will secure a place at the global showpiece set to be staged in Poland in September 2027.

The Scorchers stand as the last remaining COSAFA representatives in the race after South Africa and Zambia were eliminated in the previous round. Zimbabwe, Angola, and Namibia had earlier bowed out in the second phase.

Chinyamula described the team’s achievement as historic, especially considering Malawi’s past struggles in the competition.

“We are proud to be the only team in Southern Africa at this stage. It’s a big achievement, particularly because in our previous appearances we did not progress beyond the first round,” she said.

Despite the milestone, the skipper emphasized that the ultimate objective remains qualification.

“We want to make our country and the region proud by qualifying for the World Cup. Nigeria are experienced in this competition, so we know it will be tough. We must improve and raise our level.”

A victory over Nigeria would mark a groundbreaking moment for Malawi, making them the first women’s national team from the country to qualify for a FIFA World Cup tournament.