…As Ascent Soccer Academy dominates the call-up
Malawi soccer regulatory body, The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has announced a strong squad for the junior Scorchers national team to participate in the upcoming Women’s World Cup do or die against one of Africa’s football giants, Nigeria.
Through the Under-20 Scorchers Head Coach and former player and captain, Maggie Chombo, FAM has released an exciting 20-member squad for the decisive final round of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria.
The squad includes four players who were part of the recent Scorchers team at the FIFA Series in Kenya: Leticia Chinyamula, Olivia Phikani, Zambia based left winger, Sarah Mlimbika, and Esther Maulidi.
In an interview Chombo said: “I am confident in the crop of player that I have and I do believe we can do wonders against Nigeria.”
The qualifiers have now reached the final stage, with four African teams set to qualify for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The south-east African nation, Malawi will face the west African football protegies, Nigeria Under-20 squad in a two-legged tie, with the first leg scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd 2026 in Nigeria, and the return leg on Saturday, May 9 at the backyard, Bingu National Stadium.
The Young Scorchers flew out to Nigeria today Thursday, April’ 29th 2026 ahead of the first leg.
According to Chombo, the junior Scorchers are prepared to die on the pitch for the national team badge.
“We are ready for task ahead. We will give it our all,” she promised.
The Full squad:
GOALKEEPERS:
Ireen Sibande – Silver Strikers Ladies
Emily Nkhwazi – Kukoma Ntopwa Women
Esther Maulidi – Mighty Wanderers Queens
DEFENDERS:
Maureen Keneth – Ascent Soccer Academy
Talandira Chinyamvula – Ascent Soccer Academy
Olivia Phikani – Kukoma Ntopwa Women
Ongani Masamba – Luwinga Academy
Alinafe Milanzi – Civil Service Women
MIDFIELDERS:
Carolyne Mlezo – FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women
Sarah Mulimbika – Green Buffaloes Women FC
Leticia Chinyamula – Ascent Soccer Academy
Anna Baziliyo – Civil Service Women
Kondawo Banda – Kukoma Ntopwa Women
Linda Manda – Silver Strikers Ladies
Enelesi Fabiano – Mzuzu City Hammers
Victoria Mkwala – Ascent Soccer Academy
FORWARDS:
Mary Chindeya – Kukoma Ntopwa Women
Fatima Lali – Ascent Soccer Academy
Grace Kakangula – Silver Strikers Ladies
Mayamiko Mkandawire – Ascent Soccer Academy
“We are ready for task ahead. We will give it our all.”
Maggi Chombo
Under-20 Malawi Women Football Team Head Coach
