India Women look to end losing streak against Malawi in the FIFA Women's Series 2026

Kenya beat the Blue Tigresses 2-0 in the first game

The Indian women’s football team aim to end their 2026 FIFA Series outing with a win when they face off against Malawi in a third-place playoff match at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, on Wednesday (15 April, 2026).

The Blue Tigresses are eager to end their winless run in 2026 with a compelling win over an unpredictable side in what should be a thrilling encounter.

The Stakes

India Women

The Indian women’s football team fought hard in their recent clash against Kenya, but ended up suffering a 2-0 defeat because of a few lapses in concentration. The Blue Tigresses are currently on a six-match losing streak that stretches back to October (2025), and they are absolutely desperate to put this barren run behind them.

Crispin Chhetri will look to revitalise his players and urge them to be confident with their innovative, fast-paced attacking football to torment their opponents. A commanding win for the Indian women’s team would definitely help the players regain some of their self-belief, but losing to this Malawi women’s side can cause the team morale to plummet even lower.

Malawi Women

The Malawi women’s side was, rather predictably, humbled by the Australian women’s side in their recent clash in the FIFA Women’s Series 2026. However, that doesn’t mean that Malawi are any pushovers, as they have won two of their four matches in 2026. In fact, the Scorchers also attained qualification for the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations, doing so for the first time in their history!

Malawi will, understandably, take a defensive stance against India and will need to maintain a really stubborn defensive structure to neutralise their opponents’ game plan. They’ll also look threatening on the transitions, knowing that a win would give validation of their progress. A loss, however, would be gutting right before the 2026 Women’s AFCON.

Team News

Pyari Xaxa suffered a concerning injury in the loss against Kenya and she’s poised to miss this game for Crispin Chhetri’s side.

Malawi should have the same squad they did in their recent clash against Australia.

Head-to-Head Record

This will be the first-ever international match to take place between the India women’s side and Malawi women.

Predicted Lineups

India (4-2-3-1)

Shreya Hooda (GK), Purnima Kumari, Astam Oraon, Shilky Devi, Nirmala Devi, Aveka Singh, Sanfida Nongrum, Jasoda Munda, Lynda Kom, Karishma Shivoikar, Kaviya Pakkrisamy

Malawi (4-4-2)

Esther Maulidi (GK), Ireen Khumalo, Chimwemwe Madise, Rose Alufandika, Benadetta Mkandawire, Rose Kadzere, Debroah Henry, Leticia Chinyamula, Faith Chinzimu, Sabinah Thom, Vanessa Chikupila

Players to Watch

Lynda Kom (India)

With Pyari Xaxa likely to miss the clash due to an injury, a lot of responsibilities to spearhead the Indian women’s frontline will be upon Lynda Kom. The 21-year-old has performed pretty well for the Blue Tigresses so far, scoring five goals for them and showing maturity well beyond her years for the national team. Kom will be looking to be a thorn for the opposition defenders with her speedy runs and clever off-the-ball movement.

She will be aiming to create chances for teammates by being efficient with her final third passes, but the 21-year-old is also going to look to get to the end of chances as often as possible to help India finally get a big win under their belt.

Faith Chinzimu (Malawi)

Faith Chinzimu has established herself as a vital asset for the Malawi women’s side, as she played a huge role in helping them qualify for the 2026 Women’s AFCON. Indeed, it was Faifth’s late brace that helped them defeat Angola women to earn their berth in the place. Faith also scored against Zimbabwe women in the 3 Nations tournament last year, and her unpredictable style makes her a dangerous asset for the Scorchers.

Faith will be looking to be smart with her link-up play and off-the-ball movement against India to trouble their players. She will, of course, focus on defensive contributions as well, but should also get the license to burst into the danger zones and use her deft finishing to try and get a precious result for Malawi.

Did you know?

• India women’s last international win was their 2-1 victory over Thailand, which enabled them to qualify for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
• Malawi women played their first-ever international match in 2002, which was an 8-0 defeat to Zambia.
• Crispin Chhetri has managed 12 matches as the Indian women’s team head coach, winning five of them.

Broadcast Details

The FIFA Women’s Series 2026 third-place playoff match between India and Malawi will take place on Wednesday, 15 April (2026) at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi. The match will kick off at 4:30 PM IST and it will be streamed live on the FIFA+ platform.

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