Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Zambia in their final Group C match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations at Al Madina Stadium.
Despite the loss, Malawi progressed to the quarterfinals as Group C winners after collecting six points from three matches in their maiden WAFCON appearance.
Zambia started strongly and took the lead in the first half through captain Barbra Banda, who found the back of the net following sustained pressure from the Copper Queens.
Malawi were then dealt a blow when Sabina Thom was stretchered off due to injury and replaced by Asimenye Simwaka.
The Copper Queens doubled their advantage in the 36th minute through Prisca Chilufya, who finished off a swift counterattack after being set up by Margaret Belemu.
The Scorchers, however, refused to go down without a fight and improved after the break. Their pressure paid off in the 70th minute when captain Tabitha Chawinga pulled one back with a clinical finish to make it 2-1.
Malawi pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, with Tendai Sani, Vitumbiko Mkandawire and others introduced to add fresh energy, but Zambia held on to claim the win.
Scorchers head coach Lovemore Fazili admitted that the match was difficult, but praised his players for their second-half response.
“The game was very tough. To be honest, it was not an easy game. Zambia came out strongly against us and played very well, especially in the first 15 minutes,” said Fazili.
“We managed to contain them, but when we started playing very well, we conceded two goals in the first half. It was difficult for us to maintain their tempo,” he said.
“In the second half, after we went to the dressing room, we discussed and managed to grab a goal through captain Tabitha Chawinga. I think we played very well in the second half and Zambia were also chasing shadows because of how we played. I am happy with the qualification, though we lost the game.”
Fazili described Malawi’s qualification to the quarterfinals as an extraordinary achievement, especially considering that this is the country’s first appearance at WAFCON.
“This is extraordinary, considering where we are coming from. The way we have performed in the group stage is very good, and the players and technical panel are happy with this,” he said.
“Being our first time, playing against tough teams in our group and finishing number one is very good for us.”
Fazili also thanked the Football Association of Malawi for supporting the team’s preparations.
“The Football Association of Malawi has assisted the team to reach this point. We had a lot of friendly matches and motivation from the office. President Fleetwood Haiya has put in a lot of effort throughout, so this is a token of appreciation to him. We are really happy and I understand all Malawians are happy too,” he said.
Malawi finished the group stage with seven goals scored and five conceded, having beaten Nigeria and Egypt before the final group-stage defeat to Zambia. The Scorchers will now wait to know their quarterfinal opponents after the completion of the remaining group fixtures.
Line Up:
Starting XI: 1 Mercy Sikelo, 4 Chimwemwe Madise, 6 Rose Smith Kadzere, 9 Sabinah Thom (7 Asimenye Simwaka 24’), 10 Temwa Chawinga, 11 Tabitha Chawinga (C), 12 Madyina Nguluwe (8 Tendai Grace Sani 53’, 26 Mercy Vitumbiko Mkandawire 82’), 15 Leticia Chinyamula, 17 Faith Chinzimu, 18 Ireen Khumalo, 22 Benadeta Mkandawire.
Unused Subs: 2 Olivia Phikani, 3 Deborah Henry, 5 Tionge Phiri, 13 Vanessa Mbinho Chikupila, 14 Maggie Chavula, 16 Yamikani Kawonga, 19 Chisomo Banda, 20 Sarah Mulimbika, 23 Esther Maulidi, 24 Chikondi Gondwe, 25 Lyna James.
