Scorchers arrive in Rabat for WAFCON debut
The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, known as the Scorchers, have arrived in Rabat, Morocco, as they prepare for their first appearance in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 16, 2026. Their arrival marks a significant step in their final preparations for the continental competition.
As part of their warm-up schedule, the Scorchers are set to play two international friendly matches. The first friendly will be against Morocco in Rabat on Thursday, July 16. Following this, they will face Ghana in another friendly match in Mohammedia on July 23. These matches are crucial for the team to fine-tune their strategies and build cohesion before the main tournament begins.
Lovemore Fazili, the head coach, expressed the team’s readiness for the upcoming challenge. He indicated that the immediate target for the team, given their maiden appearance, is to advance from the group stage. The coach emphasized a step-by-step approach to see how far they can progress in the competition.
Squad adjustments and key arrivals
Coach Fazili initially named a 23-member squad for the tournament. However, there have been recent adjustments to the team roster. Three players, Chisomo Banda, Lyna James, and Tendai Sani, have been recalled to join the squad. This trio is expected to depart from Malawi on July 17 to link up with their teammates in North Africa.
The Football Association of Malawi confirmed the recall of these players. Chisomo Banda is a Zambia-based player from Konkola Blades FC, while Tendai Sani is a midfielder for ZISD FC. Lyna James, a midfielder for FCB Nyasa Big Bullets women’s team, also joins the recalled group. These additions aim to strengthen the squad ahead of their competitive debut.
Adding further experience to the team, vice-captain Temwa Chawinga is scheduled to arrive in Rabat on July 20. Her return is anticipated, as she has not featured for the team since February of last year. Her presence is expected to be a boost for the Scorchers as they prepare for their group stage matches.
WAFCON group stage fixtures
The Scorchers have been drawn into Group C for the WAFCON tournament. Their group opponents include their neighbours Zambia, known as the Copper Queens, the Cleopatras of Egypt, and the defending champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria. This presents a challenging but exciting prospect for the debutants.
Malawi will kick off their WAFCON campaign against Nigeria on July 28, 2026. This match will take place at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, with a scheduled kick-off time of 21:00. This opening fixture will be a significant test for the team against the reigning champions.
Their second group stage encounter will be against Egypt on August 1, 2026, at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The match is set to begin at 18:00. The Scorchers will conclude their group stage matches by facing regional rivals Zambia on August 5, 2026, also at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, with a kick-off at 21:00. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Source: en.africatopsports.com
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