Zimbabwe's women's national football team, the Mighty Warriors, have made a triumphant return to international action, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over hosts Malawi in the opening match of the Three Nations Tournament in Lilongwe on Friday.
The victory, powered by a brilliant brace from rising star Ethel Chinyerere, set up a thrilling finale as the Mighty Warriors now set their sights on securing the tournament crown by overcoming regional heavyweights Zambia.
Chinyerere gave the visitors a dream start at the Bingu National Stadium, firing home in the 10th minute before doubling the advantage with a composed finish in the 40th minute. While Malawi pulled a goal back almost immediately, the Mighty Warriors held a resilient defensive shape to claim a crucial, confidence-boosting win.
Coach Sithethelewe Sibanda praised her side's tactical discipline, especially given their extended absence from the international arena.
"I would say overall it was a good game, a good tactical game but very tough I should admit," Sibanda said.
"Approaching this game we knew after probably nine to ten months of inactivity... it was going to be a tough match. We just had to have a better, a good tactical defensive shape to contain them and try to hit them on counter breaks."
The coach also highlighted the crucial role played by the whole team, with goalkeeper Cynthia Shonga earning a special mention for her solid performance.
"That's her job obviously... but of course she made very crucial saves," Sibanda said, adding that Shonga was one of the players that stood out.
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The focus now immediately shifts to the decisive final match against Zambia’s Copper Queens on December 2.
Zambia entered the tournament as one of the favourites, boasting a squad packed with foreign-based talent after qualifying for the 2026 Wafcon finals.
Sibanda acknowledged the tough task ahead, but expressed her determination to compete.
"Going into the Zambian game it is the next match,” she said. “We know a tough one again with all the experience, obviously we know their squad brought in the foreign best players.”
For the Mighty Warriors, who last played in February, this tournament serves as vital preparation ahead of the Cosafa Women’s Championship early next year.
Having already secured three points, a victory over Zambia would ensure that they are crowned champions.
"Again we work on it. We just take each game as it's coming,” Sibanda added. “We'll try to prepare for it and make sure we have a good approach towards that game.”
The match promises to be an electric climax to the Tri-Nation Tournament.
