Chawinga sisters named in Malawi XI for crucial Zambia WAFCON 2026 tie

With just minutes remaining before kick-off, Malawi and Zambia have confirmed their starting line-ups for a decisive WAFCON 2026 meeting at Stade Al Madina in Rabat.

The all-Southern African contest carries major significance, with both sides competing for a place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The two national coaches have now selected the players who will begin the match in the Moroccan capital.

Malawi will start with Mercy Sikelo in goal, while Chimwemwe Madise, Rose Smith Kadzere and Sabinah Thom form part of the defensive line.

Temwa Chawinga and Tabitha Chawinga are both named in Malawi’s starting XI, providing a prominent attacking presence for the side. They will be joined by Madyina Nguluwe, Leticia Chinyamula, Faith Chinzimu, Ireen Khumalo and Benadetta Mkandawire.

Malawi starting XI: Mercy Sikelo, Chimwemwe Madise, Rose Smith Kadzere, Sabinah Thom, Temwa Chawinga, Tabitha Chawinga, Madyina Nguluwe, Leticia Chinyamula, Faith Chinzimu, Ireen Khumalo, Benadetta Mkandawire.

Zambia have also named an experienced-looking line-up for the high-pressure encounter. Natasha Hazel Nali is selected in goal, with Lushomo Mweemba, Rhoda Chileshe and Margaret Belemu included in the defensive unit.

Grace Chanda and Barbra Banda are among the other players chosen to start for Zambia. Ireen Lungu, Racheal Nachula, Eneless Phiri, Blessing Maluba and Prisca Chilufya complete the team listed by the Zambian coaching staff.

Zambia starting XI: Natasha Hazel Nali, Lushomo Mweemba, Rhoda Chileshe, Margaret Belemu, Grace Chanda, Barbra Banda, Ireen Lungu, Racheal Nachula, Eneless Phiri, Blessing Maluba, Prisca Chilufya.

The match is being played at Stade Al Madina in Rabat, where anticipation has built ahead of this important WAFCON 2026 fixture. It is a derby between two neighbouring Southern African nations and one of the tournament’s key qualification contests.

Both teams will now take to the pitch knowing that the outcome will have a direct bearing on the race for the last eight. The official selections confirm the players entrusted with delivering a result in a match that promises to be fiercely contested from the opening whistle.