Angola Women’s National Team head coach Loide Manuel Mendes has heaped praise on Malawi’s Scorchers ahead of their decisive 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Bingu National Stadium on Tuesday, describing the hosts as favorites to progress to the continental showpiece in Morocco.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Mendes acknowledged the quality gap between the two sides, pointing to Malawi’s roster of internationally acclaimed players as a decisive factor in the high-stakes encounter.
“Malawi Have World-Class Players”
“We know that Malawi have more chances to qualify than us because they have World Class players and they are playing at home. I think so, Malawi are better than us,” Mendes said candidly.
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The Angolan tactician singled out the Chawinga sisters – Temwa and Tabitha – as emblematic of Malawi’s elevated status in African women’s football. Both players have made significant strides on the international stage, with their performances in top leagues earning them recognition as among the continent’s finest talents.
Temwa Chawinga, who has been making waves in professional football, will unfortunately miss the crucial tie due to injury. However, her sister Tabitha is expected to lead the Scorchers’ charge as they aim to make history by qualifying for their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Learning from the First Leg
The two teams fought to a goalless draw in Luanda last week, leaving the qualification race finely balanced. Mendes revealed that his technical team has been working tirelessly to address the shortcomings exposed in that first encounter.
“Just looking from the previous game which we played against Malawi, we had several mistakes which we have worked on. We have prepared for the game as we did with them in the first leg, but we are ready to play,” the coach explained.
Tactical Familiarity Breeds Respect
Mendes emphasized that Angola are not entering unknown territory. The two nations have faced each other previously in regional competition, providing valuable insights into Malawi’s playing style and tactical approach.
“We know Malawi; we played against them in Cosafa. We are training our strength position and looking forward to this game,” he added, suggesting that while Angola respect their opponents, they are far from intimidated.
High Stakes at Bingu National Stadium
Tuesday’s match represents more than just a qualifier – it’s an opportunity for Malawi to break new ground in women’s football. The Scorchers have never competed at a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and a positive result at home would secure their maiden appearance at the continental tournament.
The home advantage could prove crucial. Playing in front of their supporters at Bingu National Stadium, Malawi will look to harness the energy of the crowd to overcome the disappointment of missing their star player Temwa Chawinga.
For Angola, the mission is clear: frustrate the hosts, remain compact defensively, and capitalize on any opportunities that present themselves. Mendes’ measured words may be tactical mind games, or they may reflect genuine respect for opponents who have elevated their game significantly in recent years.
Continental Ambitions
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco represents the pinnacle of African women’s football. For emerging nations like Malawi, qualification would be transformative – providing exposure, experience, and the opportunity to compete against established powerhouses like Nigeria, South Africa, and Cameroon.
Angola, with more WAFCON experience than their hosts, understand what’s at stake. Despite Mendes’ modest assessment of his team’s chances, the Palancas Negras will arrive at Bingu National Stadium determined to upset the odds and secure their passage to Morocco.
While Temwa’s absence is a significant blow, Tabitha Chawinga’s presence ensures Malawi still possess a potent attacking threat. The sisters have become symbols of possibility for Malawian women’s football, proving that talent from the nation can compete at the highest levels.
Their rise has inspired a new generation of female footballers in Malawi and raised the profile of the national team. Tuesday’s match offers an opportunity for Tabitha and her teammates to convert that inspiration into tangible achievement.
With the tie delicately poised after the first leg draw, Tuesday’s encounter promises drama and intensity. One team will celebrate a historic qualification; the other will face the disappointment of falling short of continental competition.
As kick-off approaches, all eyes will be on Bingu National Stadium, where Malawi’s Scorchers will seek to overcome Angola’s challenge and write a new chapter in the nation’s football history.
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