By Bola Yapa Zed | 29th October 2025
The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, fondly known as The Scorchers, have etched their name in African football history after qualifying for their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). A spirited second-half display saw them overcome Angola 2–0 in Lilongwe, sealing their place at the Morocco 2026 WAFCON.
Forward Faith Chimzimu was the hero of the day, scoring both goals to guide Malawi into their debut continental appearance. The result marks a milestone for Malawian women’s football a reward for years of progress, resilience, and belief in local development.
Faith Chimzimu’s Brace Lights Up Lilongwe
After a tightly contested first half, the breakthrough came through Faith Chimzimu, whose composure and precision proved decisive. She opened the scoring shortly after the restart and doubled the advantage later in the half to seal the historic victory.
Chimzimu’s brace not only propelled Malawi to the 2026 WAFCON but also highlighted her growing influence as one of the brightest attacking talents in Southern Africa. Her name will now forever be linked with Malawi’s greatest footballing achievement on the women’s side.
A New Era for the Scorchers
Malawi’s qualification is the culmination of years of strategic effort by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and continued investment in the domestic women’s league. Under the guidance of Head Coach Lovemore Fazili, the Scorchers have developed a fast, direct, and fearless playing style one that has earned them admiration across the region.
Their qualification also adds to Southern Africa’s growing dominance in women’s football, joining regional neighbors Zambia and Tanzania among the 12 teams that will battle it out in Morocco next year.
Qualified Teams for Morocco 2026 WAFCON
The confirmed teams for the Morocco 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations are:
Morocco (Hosts)
Zambia
Tanzania
Algeria
Nigeria
Ghana
Kenya
Burkina Faso
South Africa
Cape Verde (Debutant)
Malawi (Debutant)
Senegal
With four available semifinal slots leading to qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, the competition will be fierce and historic.
What This Means for African Women’s Football
Malawi’s qualification underlines the rapid progress of women’s football across Africa. The inclusion of two debutants Malawi and Cape Verde reflects the growing competitiveness and diversity on the continent.
Traditional heavyweights like Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia will be among the favorites, but the Scorchers’ fearless style could make them the dark horses of the tournament. Their journey to Morocco symbolizes the power of investment, coaching, and belief in women’s football.
The Scorchers’ qualification for their maiden WAFCON is more than a sporting success it is a story of resilience, growth, and national pride. From Lilongwe’s roars of joy to Morocco’s grand stage, Malawi’s women have arrived.
As they prepare for the biggest challenge of their careers, one thing is certain: this is just the beginning of a new and exciting era for Malawian football.
