The Scorchers are banking on self-belief and home-crowd support when they face Angola in a decisive 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) final qualification round second leg this afternoon at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
The first leg ended goalless away in Luanda on Thursday and the winner today will advance to the finals to be hosted by Morocco.
It is a defining moment for the Scorchers who are within touching distance of qualifying for the continental showpiece for the first time.
In an interview yesterday, Malawi Women’s National Football Team coach Lovemore Fazili said free entry for the open stands is a big boost as they anticipate vocal support from the fans.
He said his charges are in high spirits and determined to make the country proud by punching their ticket to Morocco.
“Playing in front of a home crowd will be a big motivation for the girls, who are aware of the importance of winning Tuesday’s [today] match,” said Fazili.
“The girls are determined to fight for the cause of their motherland. This is the closest they have come to qualifying for Wafcon and they will fight all the way.”
Meanwhile, the Scorchers’ France-based captain Tabitha Chawinga has said it is her wish to captain Malawi at the Wafcon finals and they have left no stone unturned in their bid to secure victory today.
During a pree conference yesterday, 29-year-old Olympique Lyon forward as saying: “We are well prepared for the match tomorrow [roday] and we will fight our lungs out for a win. We know it won’t be easy, but we are ready for the battle.”
Apart from Chawinga, Scorchers will bank their hopes on Europe-based attackers Rose Kabzere and Faith Chinzimu.
Others are Sabina Thom, Asimenye Simwaka and Democratic Republic of Congo-based defender Chimwemwe Madise.
Earlier this month, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to expand the tournament from 12 to 16 teams, starting from the 2026 edition and Chawinga believes this means more opportunities and great exposure to both older and upcoming players.
According to BBC Sport Africa, CAF is yet to announce how the extra four spots will be filled, with the 11 losing sides in the second round all previously due to be eliminated.
