Scorchers Set for WAFCON Clash Against Angola as Captain Tabitha Chawinga Motivates Team with Boots Donation
Published on October 23, 2025 at 9:44 AM by Evance Kapito
The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, The Scorchers, are set to face Angola this Thursday in the first leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda.
With qualification to the continental tournament at stake, the Scorchers are eyeing a positive away result before hosting the return leg on Tuesday, 28th October, at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Head Coach Lovemore Fazili says the team is fully prepared for the challenge after weeks of intensive training and friendly matches.
“Honestly speaking, the team is geared and prepared for the game, starting from home until here in Angola. The girls have had recovery time, and reaching this far, the team is ready,” said Fazili.
However, the Scorchers will be without vice-captain Temwa Chawinga, who sustained a groin injury while playing for her U.S. club, Kansas City Current.
Fazili admitted Temwa’s absence is a setback but expressed confidence that the rest of the squad can rise to the occasion.
“Of course, tactically, it’s a blow, but we have other players who can deliver. We wish her a quick recovery, but we have plan B in place,” he added.
The coach believes that recent friendlies against Zambia, Morocco, and South Africa have helped sharpen the team’s readiness for competitive action.
Meanwhile, team captain Tabitha Chawinga has boosted morale by donating football boots to her teammates ahead of Thursday’s game.
This is not the first time the captain has extended such generosity she has frequently provided boots and equipment to both national and local players, a gesture that has inspired her teammates and lifted spirits in camp.
The Scorchers will be hoping to make history by qualifying for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time. The match kicks off at 17:00 hours Malawian time.
Angola come into the fixture with only one win in their last eight games, while Malawi have won four, including two recent victories over Lesotho.
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