Fazili fires warning shots to Kenya, says Scorchers ain’t looking back
Scorchers head coach Lovemore Fazili has warned Kenya and other teams against underestimating his side following their emphatic 7-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics qualifiers second round second leg on Tuesday away in Harare.
The victory saw the Malawi Women’s National Football Team progress with an emphatic 9-0 aggregate win after claiming a 2-0 victory in the first leg at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe four days earlier.
Fazili said the performance was a statement of intent, reflecting the team’s growing confidence and collective strength building on their impressive campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) where they finished as runners-up and qualified for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup .
He said the Scorchers were ready to give their opponents, including Kenya, a tough challenge.
“This is also a warning to some teams that we are going to meet. They should not take us for granted. I am sure we are playing Kenya. They should expect a very tough match,” said Fazili.
Kenya also secured progression after a 22-0 aggregate demolition of Seychelles following 11-0 victories in both legs.
The two teams have met twice before in 2020 Olympic qualifiers. Malawi won the first leg 3-2, but lost the return match 3-0.
“I am extremely happy with today’s performance because winning 7-0 is not easy. It means the team played very well,” he said.
“However, although we won 7-0, we still have some areas to polish up.”
The victory also extended the Scorchers’ run of defensive improvement, with the team recording a second consecutive clean sheet.
Football Association of Malawi president Fleetwood Haiya also warned Kenya and praised the Scorchers for their performance and convicing victory.
Posting on his Facebook page, he said: “A real demolition job as our girls were unplayable in Zimbabwe, taking their opponents to the sword without a stroke of mercy.
The third round is scheduled for February 23 to March 6 2027.
