FAITH IN SCORCHERS: Malawi qualifies for first-ever WAFCON

Faith Chinzimu’s dramatic late double fired Malawi to their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, as the Scorchers defeated Angola 2-0 in front of a capacity crowd on a historic afternoon for Malawian football.

The midfielder’s strikes in the 82nd and 83rd minutes sealed a qualification that had been decades in the making, sparking wild celebrations across the stadium and announcing Malawi’s arrival on the continental stage.

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With the Football Association of Malawi opening the gates for free, thousands poured into the Bingu National Stadium, transforming it into a cauldron of noise and colour. The sea of red, green and black created an atmosphere that lifted the home side from the opening whistle, their songs and drums echoing across Lilongwe.

The first half was a tense, tactical affair. Chinzimu served early notice of her threat with two attempts that tested the Angolan goalkeeper, but the visitors gradually settled into the contest, earning corners and putting pressure on the Malawian defence.

Yellow cards for Ireen Khumalo and Angola’s Ana da Costa reflected the intensity of the battle, but the defining moment came in the 40th minute. A defensive lapse handed Angola a penalty, and Patricia Seteco stepped up with the chance to change the complexion of the tie. Her effort struck the post and bounced clear, drawing a collective roar of relief from the home supporters. It was a let-off Malawi would not waste.

The match remained goalless at the interval, but coach Lovemore Fazili’s halftime adjustments proved decisive. The introduction of Leticia Chinyamula and Chisomo Banda for Rose Kabzere and Sabina Thom injected fresh energy into the Scorchers’ attack, and the shift in momentum was immediate.

Malawi seized control of midfield, their passing sharper and more purposeful. Angola, who had been competitive in the first half, began to tire as the hosts pressed forward with growing conviction.

The breakthrough arrived eight minutes from time. Captain Tabitha Chawinga, influential throughout, beat her marker on the wing and delivered a low cross into the box. Chinzimu met it perfectly, firing home to send the stadium into delirium.

Before the celebrations had even subsided, she struck again. Within 60 seconds, Malawi had doubled their advantage, and the dream was reality. The Scorchers were heading to Morocco.

‘We Were Expecting This Time to Arrive’

At the final whistle, players collapsed in tears of joy, the weight of history and emotion overwhelming. Coach Fazili, who had boldly predicted victory before kick-off, was measured in his satisfaction.

“I’m extremely happy with the results. We were all expecting this time to arrive. It wasn’t an easy win because Angola is a good team. Winning two-nil wasn’t an easy task and I have to appreciate the players and the entire technical panel, most especially the leadership of my captain Tabitha Chawinga. I think her impact was clear,” he said.

“I have to thank the Football Association for giving us almost eight friendly matches against big teams and these matches really helped us, and the National Bank of Malawi, who are our sponsors and also sponsoring the National League. It has improved our football.”

Captain Chawinga echoed her coach’s gratitude, acknowledging both the significance of the achievement and the journey it took to get there.

“I’m very happy with the win and also the qualification. We are going to Morocco next year and we are happy to write this history. We thank the Football Association for investing much into women’s football. We have been losing some games, a lot has been said, but we know that your anger means that you love the team,” she said.

This qualification represents far more than a place at next year’s tournament in Morocco. It is validation of the progress made since the Scorchers’ COSAFA triumph in 2023, proof that investment in women’s football can yield transformative results.

With the Chawinga sisters leading the line and emerging talents like Chinzimu and Chinyamula making their mark, Malawi will arrive in Morocco not just as debutants, but as genuine competitors.

For the thousands who filled the Bingu National Stadium and the young girls watching across the nation, this was the day dreams became reality. The day the Scorchers proved that courage, unity and belief can rewrite history.

As shadows stretched across Lilongwe and the sun dipped below the stadium, a new chapter in Malawian football had begun.