By Suleman Chitera

Fans across the country were thrilled by the Malawi National Women Football Team’s historic 3-1 semi-final victory over Algeria at watch parties hosted by National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc on Wednesday across the country.

Held at Moneymen Club in Blantyre, Aero Lounge in Lilongwe and Linde Lounge & Grill in Mzuzu, the watch parties saw supporters gather to watch the match and celebrate as the Scorchers secured their place in the first ever Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final.

Speaking after the match in Blantyre, NBM plc Top Mandala Service Centre Manager Wyson Kayira said the Bank aimed to bring people together through sports and provide an opportunity for fans to cheer on the Scorchers.

“As a sponsor, we believe in connecting people. We have people of different backgrounds here celebrating the win of the scorchers and having fun together. This is what we would love to see, people connecting because of sports,” said Kayira.

He commended the Scorchers for reaching the final and called for continued support for the team.

“The team went in as underdogs, and today we are talking about the finals. We thank them for making it.  They need to know we are cheering them, not just here in Blantyre, but also in Lilongwe and Mzuzu, where they rendered their support. We will rally behind the team until they get the trophy,” said Kayira.

One customer at the Blantyre watch party, Wyness Nyirenda, expressed excitement after the match and thanked the bank for organising the event.

“I would like to thank the Bank for organising this watch party. Being out here, connecting and celebrating the victory of the Scorchers with other fans is thrilling. This is indeed a bank of the nation putting the needs of its customers first. I am looking forward to where NBM plc will take us next for the final watch party,” said Nyirenda.

During the match, Tabitha Chawinga scored twice, while her sister Temwa Chawinga added another goal to send the Scorchers into the WAFCON final.