U-20 WWCQ: Chombo confident Malawi can overturn first leg defeat to Falconets

Malawi head coach Maggie Chombo is optimistic her side can still earn a place at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup despite defeat to Nigeria’s Falconets.

The Young Scorchers fell 2-0 to Nigeria in the first leg of their final qualifying round tie at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, on Saturday.

The Falconets broke the deadlock in the 46th minute through an own goal by Maureen Kenneth.

Substitute Kindness Ifeanyi doubled the home team’s advantage in the 57th minute.

Chombo is upbeat that they can overturn the deficit in the second leg.

“It was a good game and we gave away a goal which distracted our focus. They managed to score two goals at home, and we also have home advantage. We believe we can do the same,” she said after the game.

The reverse fixture will hold at the Bingu National Stadium on Saturday, 9 May.