Fazili pleased with Scorchers depth after double victory over Lesotho

The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, will face Angola in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this October. The world-class Chawinga sisters, Tabitha of Olympique Lyonnais and Temwa of Kansas Current SC, will be available for the assignment.

Back home, Asimenye Simwaka and captain Sabina Thom have just showcased stellar form, with Simwaka scoring five goals and Thom adding a goal plus two assists in two friendlies against Lesotho.

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Yet head coach Lovemore Fazili has downplayed any talk of a selection dilemma ahead of October’s clash.

Rather, Fazili has expressed satisfaction with his side’s overall performance in the two international friendly matches against Lesotho, saying the displays gave the team encouraging depth as they prepare for upcoming competitions.

The Malawi Women’s National Football Team registered identical 3-0 victories in the encounters played at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre on Friday, August 29, and Sunday, August 31.

Forward Asimenye Simwaka stole the show with five goals across the two games — a brace on Friday and a hat-trick on Sunday — while captain Sabina Thom scored once and delivered two assists in the second match.

Newcomer Fanny Moyo also impressed on Sunday, changing the tempo of the game after her introduction in midfield. She was at the heart of a disallowed move in the 67th minute, releasing Thom who squared to Simwaka for a neat finish that was eventually ruled offside.

Fatima Lali, who replaced her Ascent Academy teammate Mayamiko Mkandawire, also caught the eye, with Lesotho head coach Shalane Lehohla acknowledging her energetic performance. At the back, Maureen Kenneth stepped in for Trizza Chiwere at right-back and put in a solid shift.

The Scorchers had to make do without foreign-based stars Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, as well as forward Mary Chavinda who was sidelined by injury. Still, the local-based squad stepped up.

Goalkeepers Yamikani Kaonga and Thoko Mwase, used across the two games, both kept clean sheets, ably supported by a resolute defense.

With several standout performances across the pitch, the question of who gets selected in future line-ups inevitably arises. However, Fazili played down any concerns about a potential selection dilemma.

“The technical panel will not have a headache. Tabitha and Temwa play just as Simwaka and Thom. It will only depend on the tactical approach. Most importantly, Tabitha and Temwa are not complete strikers but rather forwards, so we can field Simwaka as the center forward with the Chawinga sisters operating from the flanks,” Fazili explained.

Instead, the gaffer underlined his delight at the squad depth demonstrated in the matches.

“Actually, I am happy. 100 percent happy. In previous interviews, I said I wanted a team of local players who can represent the nation. Those based abroad don’t always come for COSAFA, so these are the players who will play at the tournament, and I am very encouraged by their performances,” Fazili
said.

He added that the series of friendlies offered the Scorchers much-needed preparation ahead of the COSAFA Cup and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola in October.