Football Association of Malawi (FAM) says the upcoming international women’s football tournament will now feature three teams only after the fourth team, Kenya, withdrew from the competition.
Initially, FAM announced that hosts Scorchers, Zambia’s Copper Queens, Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors and a fourth unnamed side would participate in the four-nation tourney from November 29 to December 2 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
However, in an interview yesterday, FAM competitions and communications director Gomezgani Zakazaka said the tournament was on, but with three teams after Kenya pulled out.
“We were in talks with Kenya as the fourth team. Unfortunately, they have opted to travel to Algeria to play international friendly matches.
“This leaves only three teams—Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe for the tournament.”
According to the FAM, the tournament will serve as preparations for Scorchers, Copper Queens and Mighty Warriors for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) finals set for Morocco in March 2026.
Meanwhile, Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili is expected to name his squad for the tourney today ahead of the team going into camp on Monday.
In an interview, the coach said the tournament will go a long way in keeping the players in shape ahead of Wafcon finals.
Mighty Warriors head coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda already named a 30-member squad for the tournament. Out of 30 players called, 12 are first time call-ups.
The squad comprises exclusively players from the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League.
Zambia is also expected to name its squad for the tournament this week.
Announcing the tournament two weeks ago, FAM president Fleetwood Haiya said the association wants to ensure the Scorchers prepare thoroughly for the Wafcon finals.
