Malawi National Women’s Football Team Head Coach, Lovemore Fazili, remains confident that his side will complete the job at home and qualify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a goalless draw against Angola in the first leg played on Thursday at Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda.
The Scorchers dominated large spells of the game but were left frustrated after failing to convert several clear scoring chances in a match they largely controlled from start to finish.
Fazili, however, believes the team’s performance gives them confidence heading into the return leg at Bingu National Stadium on October 28, where only a victory will see Malawi qualify for the continental finals for the first time in history.
“We played much better and I was expecting to score goals in the first half. In the second half, we had plenty of chances but didn’t utilize them,” Fazili said after the match.
The coach fielded a strong lineup led by captain Tabitha Chawinga, Rose Kabzere, and Faith Chimzimu, whose attacking link-ups repeatedly tested Angola’s defense.
Chawinga came close to breaking the deadlock in the 34th minute when her effort rolled just wide, while the Scorchers’ best chance arrived in the 67th minute when the skipper cut through the Angolan defense to set up Asimenye Simwaka, whose shot narrowly missed the target.
Late in the match, Tabitha’s curling free-kick struck the wall as Malawi continued to push for a breakthrough.
Despite the missed opportunities, Fazili hailed his players’ overall display and commitment.
“I have to thank the players for the way they played. They’ve promised me that when we go home, we are going to finish the game,” he added.
“The goalkeeper was excellent, the defense and midfield were solid, and our forwards worked hard. Playing away, it’s better to draw than to lose.”
With home advantage and growing momentum, the Scorchers will return to Lilongwe confident of making history when they host Angola next week in the decisive second leg.
Line UP:
Mercy Sikelo, Ireen Khumalo, Rose Alufandika, Chimwemwe Madise, Bernadettar Mkandawire, Faith Chimzimu, Rose Kabzere, Asimenye SimwakaVanessa Chikupira, Sabina Thom, Tabitha Chawinga
Sub
Yamikani Kaonga, Maureen Kenneth, Olivia Phikani, Lettecia Chinyamula, Tendai Sani, Sarah Mulimbika, Chisomo Banda
