JOHANNESBURG – The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, have arrived in Morocco ahead of their historic debut at the 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which gets underway later this month.
The team travelled to North Africa two weeks before their opening Group C fixture to allow enough time to acclimatise and complete their preparations. As part of their build-up, Malawi will play two international friendlies against hosts Morocco and Ghana before the tournament begins.
The Scorchers open their campaign against defending champions Nigeria on July 28, before facing Egypt on August 1 and regional rivals Zambia on August 5.
Malawi could hardly have asked for a tougher introduction to continental football. Group C features Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Zambia’s Copper Queens and Egypt’s Cleopatras, making it one of the strongest groups in the competition.
All of Malawi’s group matches will be played in Rabat. They face Nigeria and Zambia at Al Madina Stadium, while the clash against Egypt will take place at Moulay Hassan Stadium.
Nigeria, the most successful nation in African women’s football, enter the tournament chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, presenting a formidable challenge for the tournament newcomers.
A historic journey
Qualification for WAFCON marked a milestone for Malawian football. The Scorchers secured their place at the continental showpiece by defeating Angola 2-0 on aggregate in the qualifying playoffs, earning their first-ever appearance at the finals.
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The achievement united the country behind the team. The Football Association of Malawi launched a fundraising campaign to support the trip, while the government contributed K600 million towards the team’s preparations, underlining the significance of the historic qualification.
Head coach Lovemore Fazili has overseen a carefully planned build-up, balancing experienced internationals with emerging young talent. The provisional squad included promising Under-20 players Takondwa Chinyamvula and Fatima Lali, alongside the core of players who guided Malawi through qualification.
Domestic champions FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women are strongly represented, providing goalkeeper Thoko Mwase, defender Benedetta Mkandawire, midfielder Lyna James and striker Mary Chavinda.
Perhaps the biggest boost for the Scorchers is the return of vice-captain Temwa Chawinga, who rejoins the national team for the first time since February 2025. The two-time National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) MVP and Golden Boot winner will line up alongside her sister and captain, Tabitha Chawinga, with the pair expected to play a crucial role in Malawi’s campaign.
Belief despite the odds
While Malawi enter the tournament as underdogs, the mood within the camp remains optimistic.
Captain Tabitha Chawinga has acknowledged the strength of the opposition but believes the Scorchers can compete if they remain focused. She has also called on Malawians to rally behind the team as they prepare for the country’s biggest moment in women’s football.
Football Association of Malawi president Fleetwood Haiya has set an ambitious target, saying the association wants the Scorchers to reach the semi-finals. Such an achievement would not only rank among Malawi’s greatest football successes but would also secure qualification for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Fazili, however, has adopted a measured approach.
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The coach says the immediate objective is to progress beyond the group stage before focusing on the knockout rounds, insisting the team will take the tournament one match at a time.
Before their opening match, the Scorchers will complete their preparations with friendly matches against Morocco in Rabat and Ghana in Mohammedia. The fixtures are expected to help the team fine-tune combinations, improve match fitness and adapt to local conditions.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be held from July 26 to August 16 across venues in Casablanca and Rabat. The top two teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals, with the competition eventually crowning Africa’s women’s champions.
For Malawi, the tournament represents far more than just three group matches. It is a chance to make history, showcase the country’s growing women’s football programme and prove they belong among Africa’s elite.
