Fazili Reveals Why Malawi Lost WAFCON Final to Cameroon

Malawi Women’s National Team coach Lovemore Fazili believes Cameroon’s intense pressure and tight marking played a major role in the Scorchers’ 3-0 defeat in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final.

Despite missing out on the continental title, Fazili described Malawi’s run to the final as a major achievement, particularly as the Scorchers were making their WAFCON debut. He also said the tournament has added valuable experience to his coaching career.

Fazili expressed his satisfaction with the team’s historic campaign, thanking the players and the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) for their contribution.

“It is a success reaching the final. This is the history we have made, not only for the country Malawi and players but also for me as coach, as the outcome has improved my CV as coach. I am happy, and I thank the players and Football Association of Malawi,” Fazili said.

Explaining the final defeat, the Malawi coach said Cameroon made it extremely difficult for the Scorchers’ attackers by applying aggressive defensive pressure.

“Our strikers were tightly marked; at times you could see that one player was marked by three defenders. That pressure made us give them goals; of course I cannot blame anyone for those goals,” he explained.

Fazili said Malawi attempted to change its approach after the break in search of goals, but Cameroon’s defensive organisation made it difficult for the Scorchers to create and convert clear opportunities.

“We made changes, and the second half was to create chances, but it was not easy to score. We have learnt a lot and we hope this will help us next year at the World Cup,” he added.

The coach believes Malawi’s impressive run has provided important lessons for the future and highlighted the need for increased investment and attention toward women’s football in the country.

The Scorchers finished the tournament as runners-up and will return home with US$750,000 in prize money.

During their historic campaign, Malawi recorded four victories over Ghana, Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria, while their two defeats came against Zambia and Cameroon.