Disappointment engulfed the nation last night after the Malawi Women’s National Football Team lost 3-0 to Cameroon in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) final in Rabat, Morocco.
There was hype for the match across the country with the Scorchers’ official sponsor, National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc hosting watch parties in Blantyre, Lilongwe, Zomba and Mzuzu.
Scores of social joints also had watch parties nationwide.
At NBM plc’s Moneymen in Blantyre, some fans started leaving at half-time as Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses led by three goals.
However, the majority stayed to watch the second half, although many did so in silence with frustration evident on their faces.
After the final whistle, a section of the fans stood up and applauded the Scorchers in recognition of their overall performance in their debut appearance at the Africa women’s football safari.
Patrons expressed their disappointment with the result, but hailed the Scorchers for their good run at their debut Wafcon finals.
Charity Kachala, a resident of Nancholi Township, said she was confident that the Scorchers would emerge victorious.
“The girls started very well, but unfortunately lost the plot as the game progressed. It was just not our day,” she said.
In Mzuzu, one of the fans, Godfrey Mbukwa, who followed the action at Mzee Jo Stopover in Chibanja Township, said he is not discouraged by the result because the team performed well throughout the tournament.
“We don’t have to worry much. The girls tried their best and reached this far. What is important is that they have qualified for the World Cup,” he said.
Another supporter, Nicholas Nyasulu, said Cameroon were the better side on the night and that the result should serve as a learning experience going forward.
“It’s a lesson learnt from today’s game. Cameroon played well and they deserve the crown,” he said.
In individual awards, US-based Malawian star Temwa Chawinga bagged the Puma Golden Boot Award with five goals and two assists.
