Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, have arrived in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of their maiden appearance at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for 26 July to 16 August 2026.
As part of their final preparations, the Scorchers will play Morocco in an international friendly match in Rabat on Thursday, 16 July, before facing Ghana in another friendly in Mohammedia on 23 July.
Head coach Lovemore Fazili said the team is ready for the continental showpiece and will take the tournament one step at a time.
“The team is geared for the tournament, and being our first appearance, the target for now is to get out of the group and then take it step by step to see how far we can go,” said Fazili.
Fazili initially named a 23-member squad for the tournament, but Chisomo Banda, Lyna James and Tendai Sani have been recalled to join the squad. The trio is expected to leave Malawi on 17 July.
Vice-captain Temwa Chawinga is scheduled to arrive in Rabat on 20 July after missing action with the team since February last year.
Malawi are in Group C alongside neighbours Zambia, the Copper Queens, the Cleopatras of Egypt and defending champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
The Scorchers will open their campaign against Nigeria on 28 July 2026 at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat. The match will kick off at 21:00.
They will then face Egypt in their second group match on 1 August 2026 at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off set for 18:00.
Malawi will conclude the group stage against regional rivals Zambia on 5 August 2026 at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat. The match will kick off at 21:00.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarterfinals.
