The Scorchers will open their Three-Nation Women’s Tournament campaign against Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors this evening at Bingu National Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 17:00 CAT.
Head Coach Lovemore Fazili views the tournament as a crucial opportunity to test new players and build international experience ahead of Malawi’s historic first appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next year.
The Football Association of Malawi initially planned a four-nation tournament but scaled back to three after the fourth team failed to confirm participation. Malawi will compete against Zimbabwe and Zambia for the trophy.
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“We are well prepared for the game tomorrow [Friday] and on Sunday. All players are in shape and everyone is eager to play,” Fazili said following the team’s final training session at Bingu National Stadium on Thursday morning.
The coach has called up 25 players for the tournament and intends to use the matches to evaluate fringe players who have been with the national team setup for extended periods without significant playing time.
“We are going to try some players who have never played for the Scorchers before but have been with the team for two to three years and we have not really given a chance to play,” Fazili explained.
He emphasized his goal of building a reliable full squad of 20 to 25 players ahead of WAFCON, stating that five to eight players will be given opportunities to experience international competition.
“You will see new faces and I am sure these players will deliver,” Fazili said.
The Scorchers will be without strikers Temwa Chawinga and Asimenye Simwaka due to injuries, but Fazili expressed confidence in his replacements. Captain Tabitha Chawinga will lead the team alongside Rose Kabzere, Faith Chimzimu, Chimwemwe Madise, and Vanesa Chikupira.
Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors are currently ranked 130th in the world and will be looking to prove their quality in the tournament.
Malawi will face Zambia’s Copper Queens in their second match at the same venue on Sunday. The tournament concludes with a fixture between Zambia and Zimbabwe on Tuesday.
Source: FAM
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