Head coach of the Malawi women’s national team, Lovemore Fazili, has warned rivals not to underestimate the Scorchers ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, insisting his side is travelling to Morocco to compete for results rather than simply make up the numbers.
Having secured qualification for the continental showpiece, Fazili described the achievement as a huge source of motivation for his players.
Read Also: The Reformer at Work: Bukola Olopade’s Blueprint for a New Nigerian Sport | Sports247 Nigeria
“Qualifying for WAFCON has given the team great motivation,” Fazili said.
The Malawi coach revealed that preparations are well underway as his side looks to make a significant impact when the tournament kicks off.
According to him, his players are fully aware of the challenge ahead but remain determined to prove they belong among Africa’s best.
“We’re preparing to compete, not just to participate,” he added.
Fazili acknowledged that Malawi will enter the competition as one of the underdogs but insisted that label does not reflect the quality within his squad.
He believes the Scorchers possess the discipline, character and belief needed to trouble some of the tournament’s favourites.
“We may be underdogs, but we have a strong team capable of surprising a lot of people,” he stated.
Malawi will be aiming to build on the momentum from their qualification campaign as they prepare to face some of Africa’s biggest names at the tournament in Morocco, with Fazili confident his players can upset the odds.
