The Scorchers yesterday left for Angola aboard a chartered plane in Blantyre beaming with confidence ahead of tomorrow’s 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) final qualification round first leg at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda.
Dressed in red track suits with some black and green patches, representing the national flag, the 25-player squad was ecstatic as they received some farewell gifts from their sponsor National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc at Bakili Muluzi International Airport, formerly Chileka.
If the Scorchers win over the two legs, they will qualify for the finals of the continental showpiece.
The team’s coach Lovemore Fazili said: “As you have noted the mood in this squad, the girls are aware of the importance of this game and are very much prepared for the battle ahead.”
Football Association of Malawi president Fleetwood Haiya said a lot has been invested in the Scorchers and, therefore, they expect the team to make history by qualifying for the continental showpiece for the first time.
He said that they have chartered a plane for the team not only to save at least $30 000 (about K52.5 million) in travel costs, but also to ensure the girls are not fatigued ahead of the first leg.
“There is no direct flight [from Malawi] to Angola, so by chartering a plane, we are not only saving on expenses, but also minimising travelling time to ensure the girls are in good shape before their away match,” said Haiya.
“Apart from chartering the plane, we also invested a lot in this team as prior to the Angola trip, we organised eight international friendly matches. We believe in this team and we expect them to qualify for the Wafcon finals for the first time.”
NBM marketing and corporate affairs manager Akossa Hiwa, who accompanied the team to the airport along with other staff, said they are optimistic the Scorchers will perform wonders in both matches.
“We expect the best result for our girls from these qualifiers. As sponsors, we are proud of our ‘pangolins’ and we wish them all the best,” she said.
Meanwhile, USA-based Scorchers’ vice-captain Temwa Chawinga has excused herself from the Angola trip due to an injury she sustained during a match involving her club Kansas City Current a few days ago.
She has since wished the team well through a post on her Facebook page.
“I’m heartbroken I will not get to represent my country, Malawi, with national team this coming week due to my injury,” she stated.
“I am currently working with my team doctors and coaches at KC Current to get back on the field taking it day at a time. Sending love to my Malawi team and wishing you the best of luck. Thank you for your support during this time.”
This year alone, the Scorchers have played eight international friendly matches, winning three and losing
