Malawi’s Under-20 women’s national team has advanced to the second round of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers following a one all draw against the Central African Republic (CAR) on Sunday.

CAR took an early lead in the 11th minute through Maimouna Daoud, a goal they held onto heading into the break.

At halftime, Malawi coach Maggie Chombo made her only substitution of the match, bringing on Anna Baziliyo for Victoria Mkwala. The change proved effective as Leticia Chinyamula leveled the score just two minutes into the second half, making it 1-1 on the day and 4-2 on aggregate in favor of Malawi.

After the match, Coach Chombo praised her players for their determination and composure under pressure. “Central African republic came hard on the girls, but they never relented. That resilience is what earned us the equalizer and ultimately the qualification,” she said.

Malawi will now face South Sudan in the second round of the qualifiers in September.