Malawi National Women’s Football Team head coach Lovemore Fazili has named a 23-member squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August 2026.
The squad includes Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga, who last featured for the Scorchers in February last year. Her return is a major boost for Malawi as the team prepares for its maiden appearance at the continental showpiece.
Fazili has also included captain Tabitha Chawinga, Sabinah Thom, Deborah Henry, Vanessa Chikupila, Vitumbiko Mkandawire and Asimenye Simwaka in the attacking department.
The midfield has Rose Kadzere, Sara Mlimbika, Madyina Nguluwe, Letticia Chinyamula, Faith Chimzimu and Chikondi Gondwe, while the defence includes Ireen Khumalo, Rose Alufandika, Olivia Phikani, Tionge Phiri, Benadetta Mkandawire, Chimwemwe Madise and Maggie Chavula.
In goals, Fazili has named Mercy Sikelo, Esther Maulidi and Yamikani Kawonga.
The Scorchers are in Group C alongside neighbours Zambia, the Copper Queens, the Cleopatras of Egypt and defending champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
Malawi will open their campaign against Nigeria on 28 July 2026 at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, before facing Egypt on 1 August at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The Scorchers will conclude the group stage against Zambia on 5 August at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
The top two teams from the group will qualify for the quarterfinals.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Mercy Sikelo (Civil Service Women), Esther Maulidi (Mighty Wanderers Queens), Yamikani Kawonga (MDF Lioness).
Defenders: Ireen Khumalo (Silver Strikers Ladies), Rose Alufandika (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Olivia Phikani (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Tionge Phiri (Silver Strikers Ladies), Benadetta Mkandawire (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Chimwemwe Madise (TP Mazembe), Maggie Chavula (Ascent Soccer Academy).
Midfielders: Rose Kadzere (Montpellier HSC Feminines), Sara Mlimbika (Green Buffaloes Women), Madyina Nguluwe (Silver Strikers Ladies), Letticia Chinyamula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Faith Chimzimu (BK Häcken), Chikondi Gondwe (Silver Strikers Ladies).
Forwards: Vanessa Chikupila (Palm Hills Sports Club), Vitumbiko Mkandawire (Civil Service Women), Deborah Henry (Silver Strikers Ladies), Asimenye Simwaka (Free Agent), Sabinah Thom (Phoenix Academy Marrakesh), Tabitha Chawinga (Olympique Lyonnais), Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current).
