Fazili warns opponents after e-Swatini massacre

Malawi women’s football national team coach Lovemore Fazili has warned opponents at the 2023 Hollywoodbets Cosafa Women’s Championship to prepare well when they face the free-scoring Scorchers.

The tactician fired the warning shot after the Scorchers massacred e-Swatini 8-0 at Dobsville Stadium in South Africa in a lopsided second match of the group stage.

The Scorchers firmly lead the pool with six points and need only a point in their last group match against Madagascar on Tuesday to automatically qualify as Group A winners.

Even if they lose to the islanders, the Scorchers have a better head-to-head record against South Africa and e-Swatini who can finish level at six points after the last round of group matches.

Fazili said: “The way we are scoring goals, we are favourites. Any team that we are playing must be prepared. Otherwise, my team is very good up front.”

Straight from their significant 4-3 victory over hosts South Africa in their opening match, the Scorchers continued from where they stopped as they thumped e-Swatiini who showed no resistance at all.

Player of the match Sabina Thom nodded in the opener from a rebound after China-based Temwa Chawinga’s initial attempt.

The TP Mazembe star then got her brace in the 31st minute before Carolyn Mathyola made it 3-0 in the 45th as the first-half ended in favour of the Scorchers.

At half-time, the Scorchers coach introduced Rose Kabzere, Faith Chimzimu, and Sarah Mlimbika for Chimwemwe Madise, Asimenye Simwaka and Lyna James.

Two quick goals from Rose Kabzere in the 51st minute and Chawinga in the 52nd took Malawi’s lead to 5-0.

Chawinga came back to haunt e-Swatini in the 63rd minute and 75th minute to complete a second hat-trick at the tournament.

The sister to Europe-based star Tabitha, who plays for PSG in France, was not done yet as he hit the Scorchers’ eighth goal in the 76th minute.

Fazili also praised up-and-coming players in the squad for blending well with veterans.

He said: “Everyone played very well. After we scored three goals, I wanted to give a chance to other players, especially the youngsters.

“It’s their chance to show that they can play for the national team. These are the future of the Scorchers.

“Remember. some players I have are aging and I need a transition plan. To do this I must give a chance to the youngsters.”