Temwa and Tabitha make the difference
The Chawinga sisters proved decisive at Bingu National Stadium, combining effectively to give Malawi control of the first leg.
Temwa’s opener came after captain Tabitha helped create the opportunity, while the second goal arrived shortly after the restart as the sisters continued to trouble Zimbabwe’s defence.
Malawi created further opportunities to extend their advantage but were unable to add to their tally.
Zimbabwe face a crucial home leg
The Mighty Warriors must now respond in the return fixture at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Tuesday, 13 October.
Zimbabwe showed moments of resistance but struggled to prevent Malawi’s forward partnership from making the difference. The hosts will need a more productive attacking display in the second leg if they are to overturn the deficit.
Olympic qualification race continues
The tie forms part of Africa’s qualifying campaign for the women’s football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The winner over the two legs will advance to the next qualifying round, where they are scheduled to face either Kenya or Seychelles.
Malawi will travel to Harare seeking to protect their advantage, while Zimbabwe must produce a stronger performance on home soil to keep their Olympic hopes alive.