By McGeorge Mbare
ZIMBABWE’S ’s Mighty Warriors are preparing for the first leg of their first-round Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games qualifier against Malawi, scheduled for Friday at Bingu National Stadium.
The match will be a major step up in quality and a true measure of the Mighty Warriors’ progress as they take on one of Africa’s in-form teams in pursuit of a place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
With new head coach Stella Gota at the helm, the Mighty Warriors will be looking to make a strong first impression against the Scorchers away from home in her debut match.
The Mighty Warriors face a stern test against one of the best teams in the Southern Africa region.
Zimbabwe have quality players, including Ethel Chinyerere, whom Malawi know very well and who has previously scored a brace against them.
On the other hand, Malawi boast one of the world’s best forwards in Temwa Chawinga, alongside her sister Tabitha Chawinga.
The challenge now becomes significantly tougher.
The duo are undoubtedly among the biggest stars in women’s football and will pose a significant threat to the Mighty Warriors.
The Mighty Warriors’ defence, led by Agnes Tumbare, Maudy Mafurise and their teammates, will need to remain resolute and be ready to deal with Malawi’s attacking threat.
Malawi head into the fixture after suffering heartbreak in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they lost in the final to Côte d’Ivoire.
The Scorchers, however, have been in impressive form throughout their 2026 campaign, earning their maiden qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final.
The return leg is pencilled in for Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.