Tag Archives: 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)

Sports

Malawi’ Scorchers ready for FIFA Series showdown

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Women’s National Football Team head coach Lovemore Fazili has unveiled a 35-player provisional squad for the upcoming FIFA Women’s Series tournament set to take place in Kenya from April 11 to 15, 2026.

The squad was officially announced during a press briefing held in Chiwembe, Blantyre,on Monday where Fazili outlined his selection strategy and the importance of the tournament in shaping the team’s future.

Out of the 35 players selected, 25 are locally based, while 10 players are professionals.

The tournament will feature four nations namely Malawi, Kenya, Australia and India providing a competitive platform for the Scorchers to test their strength against diverse opposition.

Fazili has emphasized that this tournament is a key part of Malawi’s preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled for July 2026.

Among the notable inclusions is the return of star forward Temwa Chawinga, who last featured for the Scorchers in February 2025.

However, her availability for the tournament remains uncertain pending a medical report.

The squad also includes exciting young talent such as Fatima Lali, who impressed during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, signaling a continued investment in youth development.

Fazili has largely maintained the core of players who featured in the recent COSAFA Women’s Championship, suggesting a focus on continuity and team cohesion.

The full squad players including Mercy Sikelo, Thoko Mwase, Yamikani Kaonga, Esther Maulidi, Chimwemwe Madise, Rose Alufandika, Maureen Kenneth, Maggie Chavula, Doreen Dickson, Bernadetta Mkandawire, Taonga Phiri, Ireen Khumalo, Olivia Phikani, Gladys Joseph, Shilla Mangani, Madyina Ngulube, Lyna James, Asimenye Simwaka.

Jessie Yosefe, Letticia Chinyamula, Rose Kabzere, Faith Chimzimu, Vitumbiko Mkandawire, Chikondi Gondwe, Sarah Mlimbika, Tendai Sani, Vanessa Chikupila, Funny Magombo, Mary Chavinda, Chisomo Banda, Sabina Thom, Deborah Henry, Mayamiko Mkandawire, Cathrine Kachala, Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga.

Malawi is set to open their campaign against Australia on April 11, 2026 in what promises to be a tough opening fixture for the Scorchers.

The winner of that match will progress to the final to face either hosts Kenya or India, while the losing sides will compete for third place.

The Scorchers are expected to begin their training camp on April 1, 2026, at Mpira Village in Blantyre as preparations intensify ahead of the tournament.

Sports

WAFCON draw exposes tough test for Malawi Scorchers

Shaffie A Mtambo

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi women’s national football team, the Scorchers, face a major challenge at the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following the draw conducted on Thursday.

Renowned sports analyst and football writer Enock Banda says the draw shows that Malawi has been placed in one of the strongest groups in the tournament.

Speaking to MaraviPost, Banda described the WAFCON draw as an important benchmark that will measure both the strengths and weaknesses of Malawi’s women’s football.

He said the competition will help reveal how competitive the Scorchers are against some of Africa’s top teams and where improvement is still needed and he also warned against putting pressure on the coaching staff, saying demanding immediate success would be unfair and could harm the team’s development.

He stressed that patience is key if Malawi is to build a strong and sustainable women’s football program.

Meanwhile, fellow sports analyst Ibrahim Phiri expressed optimism about the Scorchers’ chances at the tournament.

Phiri said the team has potential to perform well, considering the quality and experience of the players available.Scorchers players are playing professional football, which could work to Malawi’s advantage, though improvements are needed in goalkeeping and defense.

The Scorchers are in Group C alongside Nigeria, Zambia and Egypt, with the WAFCON tournament scheduled to be played in March this year in Morocco.

Regional, Sports

Fazili confident as Scorchers secure crucial away draw against Angola

Shaffie A Mtambo

Malawi 0-0 Angola…

LUANDA-(MaraviPost)-Malawi Women’s National Football Team Head Coach, Lovemore Fazili, says the goalless draw against Angola in Luanda on Thursday has given his side renewed belief as they eye a historic qualification to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Scorchers, who dominated much of the first-leg encounter at Estádio 11 de Novembro, displayed impressive teamwork and attacking intent but were left frustrated after failing to find the back of the net despite several clear opportunities.

“We played better football than Angola. I expected us to score in the first half but luck was not on our side. However, I’m proud of the effort and discipline from the girls,” Fazili said after the match.

The experienced tactician remains optimistic that his side will complete the job in the return leg at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on October 28, where a victory would secure Malawi’s first-ever qualification to the continental finals.

“It’s not easy to play away from home but we managed to get a result. The players have promised to finish the job in front of our supporters. We are determined to make history,” Fazili added confidently.

The Scorchers took control from kickoff, with Rose Kabzere, Faith Chimzimu and Asimenye Simwaka combining well in attack.

Led by captain Tabitha Chawinga, Malawi’s fluid passing and high pressing forced Angola to sit deep for most of the game.

Chawinga came close in the 34th minute after her low shot rolled inches wide of the post.

The Scorchers’ best moment arrived midway through the second half when Chawinga’s pace and power carved open Angola’s defense to set up Simwaka, whose strike narrowly missed the target.

As the game wore on, Tabitha’s curling free-kick in the 84th minute was blocked by the wall summing up a frustrating night for Malawi’s forwards.

Despite the missed chances, Fazili was full of praise for his players’ overall discipline and determination.

“Our goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo was solid, the defense was composed and the midfield controlled the tempo. The forwards kept pressing. We played our game plan perfectly we just need to score at home,” he said.

The Scorchers are now expected to return home on Friday to resume training ahead of the decisive second leg.

The team will be banking on the electric atmosphere at Bingu National Stadium and the support of local fans to push them across the line.

Malawi has never qualified for the WAFCON finals before and a win next week would mark a groundbreaking moment for women’s football in the country one that could inspire a new generation of female footballers.