Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili has named a 23-member squad for the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) finals to be held in Morocco from July 25 to August 16.
Fazili has retained the core of the squad that guided Malawi through the qualification campaign and featured in the team’s international friendly matches and preparatory tournaments ahead of the finals.
The coach has blended experienced foreign-based players with standout performers from the domestic league.
The goalkeeping department comprises Mercy Sikelo (Civil Service Women), Esther Maulidi (Mighty Wanderers Queens) and Yamikani Kawonga (MDF Lionesses).
The defenders are Ireen Khumalo (Silver Strikers Ladies), Rose Alufandika (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Olivia Phikani (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Tionge Phiri (Silver Strikers Ladies), Benadetta Mkandawire (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Chimwemwe Madise (TP Mazembe) and Maggie Chavula (Ascent Soccer Academy).
In midfield, the Scorchers will rely on Rose Kabzere (Montpellier HSC Féminines), Sara Mlimbika (Green Buffaloes Women), Madyina Nguluwe (Silver Strikers Ladies), Letticia Chinyamula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Faith Chinzimu (BK Häcken) and Chikondi Gondwe (Silver Strikers Ladies).
The attack is spearheaded by Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current) and Tabitha Chawinga (Olympique Lyonnais), alongside Sabinah Thom (Phoenix Academy Marrakesh), Asimenye Simwaka (MDF Lionesses), Deborah Henry (Silver Strikers Ladies), Vitumbiko Mkandawire (Civil Service Women) and Vanessa Chikupila (Palm Hills Sports Club).
Addressing the media in Lilongwe after announcing the squad, Fazili said selecting the final team had been difficult.
“It was not easy to select the squad. I have picked good players and I have also left out good players. I am confident that the players that I have picked will deliver in Morocco,” he said.
The coach also assured the nation of the availability of United States-based forward Temwa, who has in the past missed national team assignments.
“Temwa is a Scorchers player. I can assure Malawians that this time she will be available in Morocco. She assured us that she is coming. The club has also assured us of her availability.
“As for her performance, we all know Temwa. We cannot ask for more technically or tactically from Temwa. She is playing in the US, she is scoring and we all know her capabilities.”
Fazili also defended the inclusion of athlete Simwaka, who has been in Portugal and is part of Team Malawi’s at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland which clash with Wafcon finals.
He said: “She went to Portugal for athletics. She is not just staying in Portugal; she is an athlete and she has been training there. Whenever she is in the team she always delivers. She has pace which we need in the team. The good thing about Asimenye is that despite not being with us throughout the preparations, she has been active.”
The coach also commended the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) for strengthening the technical panel by adding a performance analyst Tyrese Steyn and technical adviser Sudesh Singh.
“Their expertise is going to help us a lot,” he said.
Commenting on the goalkeeping department, which has been a source of concern, Fazili said he had maintained faith in first-choice goalkeeper Sikelo because of her experience.
“I know questions have been raised about Mercy. But she is a good goalkeeper with vast experience. I have also included the Mighty Wanderers Queens goalkeeper Ester Maulidi and the MDF Lionesses goalkeeper Yamikani Kawonga, who I think are good goalkeepers as well. I am confident that these goalkeepers will deliver.”
Malawi will begin their historic campaign against defending champions Nigeria on July 28 at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
The Scorchers will then face Egypt on July 31 at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat before completing their Group C fixtures against Zambia on August 3 at Al Madina Stadium.
