Malawi head coach Lovemore Fazili says the Scorchers are targeting a place in the semifinals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and believes his side has done enough homework on Group C rivals, including Zambia.
Speaking after unveiling his 23-player squad for the tournament, Fazili said Malawi have learned from previous campaigns and are determined to make a deeper run in Morocco.
“Our targets as players and coaches: we need to do better in our group and reach the quarterfinals. From there, we will be aiming to reach the semi-finals. We will not end there, but I will not tell you our next target. You should call me when we hit the semi-finals, and I will tell you our next target,” Fazili said.
The Malawi coach expressed confidence in his knowledge of the teams in Group C, particularly neighbours Zambia, while acknowledging the quality of nine-time African champions Nigeria.
“I know much about Zambia: their weaknesses and strengths. For Nigeria, we shouldn’t underrate them; they are a big side. I will not tell you more because it’s like we are revealing how we have prepared,” he said.
Fazili has also received a major boost with the return of star forward Temwa Chawinga, who missed several of Malawi’s recent international fixtures.
The coach confirmed that the Kansas City Current striker is fully committed to representing the Scorchers at the continental tournament.
“I talked to her, and she is ready to represent the country. I spoke to her and FAM officials also talked to her. We will meet her in Morocco on the 17th,” Fazili revealed.
Malawi begin their WAFCON campaign against Nigeria on July 28, before taking on Egypt on August 1. The Scorchers will conclude their Group C fixtures against Zambia on August 5, with all four teams battling for a place in the knockout stages.
