The Malawi Women’s National Football Team (The Scorchers) are set to take on Angola this Thursday in the first leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Qualifiers at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda.
With a place at the continental showpiece at stake, the Scorchers are targeting a positive away result before hosting the return leg on Tuesday, 28th October, at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Head Coach Lovemore Fazili said his charges are fully prepared for the encounter following intensive preparations that included a series of friendly matches.
“Honestly speaking, the team is geared and prepared for the game, starting from home until here in Angola. The girls have had recovery time, and reaching this far, the team is ready,” Fazili said.
The Scorchers will be without vice-captain Temwa Chawinga, who was ruled out after suffering a groin injury while featuring for her club, Kansas City Current, in the United States.
Fazili admitted Temwa’s absence is a setback but expressed confidence that other players will rise to the occasion.
“Of course, tactically, it’s a blow, but we have other players who can deliver. We wish her a quick recovery, but we have plan B in place,” he said.
The coach believes the recent friendly matches against Zambia, Morocco, and South Africa have helped shape the team’s readiness for competitive action.
“The friendlies gave us lessons that will be crucial against Angola. We have come here to play our game, to attack, and to score goals,” Fazili added.
Victory over Angola across the two legs would see Malawi qualify for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in history. The match kicks off at 17:00 hours Malawian time.
Angola come into the fixture with just one win in their last eight games, while Malawi have won four of their last eight, including back-to-back victories against Lesotho in their most recent outings.
