Malawi’s Scorchers confident they can complete historic WAFCON journey

Malawi will play in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history when they face Cameroon, with head coach Lovemore Fazili saying his side are determined to go one step further and win the tournament.

The Scorchers have already made history at their first appearance in the competition, reaching the final after a campaign that included the elimination of Nigeria. Their progress has sparked widespread celebration across Malawi, where the team’s achievement has become a source of national pride.

Fazili said the reaction at home had been overwhelming, particularly after the victory over Nigeria. He believes the country’s excitement has reached an even greater level now that Malawi have secured a place in the final against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses.

“Joy, nothing but joy. It will be a celebration. The whole country, yes. It is our country. People here are already happy. The country was already happy when we beat Nigeria. So imagine now that we are in the final… How happy are they? They are more than 200% happy,” said Fazili.

The Malawi manager is fully aware of the importance of the occasion, but he insisted that the team’s ambitions extend beyond simply enjoying a landmark achievement. The Scorchers now want to finish their historic run by lifting the continental trophy.

“For us too, it is the first time we have reached the final. We want to win too,” he said.

Malawi’s route to the final has given the players and coaching staff confidence, but Fazili was careful not to make any prediction about the outcome of the decisive match. Rather than favouring his own team or Cameroon, he said the result should be determined by what happens on the pitch.

Asked about the match taking place the following day, Fazili maintained a measured approach.

“So for tomorrow’s match, I repeat: may the best team win. That is the only answer I can give you,” he said.

His comments underline the balance between ambition and respect with which Malawi are approaching the biggest match in their history. The Scorchers know they are already guaranteed a place in the record books as first-time finalists, following their breakthrough run and their memorable victory over Nigeria.

However, the team’s objective is now clear. Malawi want to turn the joy generated by their qualification into a championship triumph, while Cameroon will stand between them and the title.

For Fazili and his players, the final represents both a celebration of how far Malawi have come and an opportunity to create an even more significant moment. Whatever the outcome, the Scorchers have already transformed their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign into an historic one. Their meeting with Cameroon will decide whether that story ends with a runners-up medal or Malawi’s first continental title.