The Malawi National Women’s football team has been dealt a significant blow following the absence of star player Temwa Chawinga, who is out due to injury.
Chawinga suffered an upper right leg injury and was substituted in the 29th minute as her team, Kansas City Current, went on to lose 1-0 against Houston Dash in the National Women’s Soccer League on Sunday.
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This was Chawinga’s last appearance before joining the Scorchers for their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers—matches that could also boost her chances of claiming the African Women’s Player of the Year award, where she is already a favorite.
Malawi will face Angola away in Luanda on October 23, 2025, before hosting them at Bingu National Stadium on October 28, 2025, for the return leg. The aggregate winner will earn automatic qualification to the 2026 WAFCON finals in Morocco.
“I’m heartbroken I will not get to represent my country Malawi with the national team this coming week due to my injury. I am currently working with my team doctors and coaches at KC Current to get back on the field, taking it day at a time. Sending love to my Malawi team and wishing you the best of luck,” Chawinga wrote, confirming her absence.
The 2023 NWSL Golden Boot winner has built an impressive legacy for Malawi. In 2023, she netted 10 goals to help the team win their first-ever COSAFA Women’s Championship, the same year she was named the world’s top goal scorer with 61 goals.
Chawinga’s absence is undoubtedly a blow given her prolific scoring record, but hope now turns to her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, the team’s top scorer. Head coach Lovemore Fazili still has several options to fill Temwa’s void. Here’s how Malawi could line up against Angola:
GOALKEEPER
Fazili has faced criticism for trusting Mercy Sikelo as his first-choice goalkeeper due to costly errors by the Kukoma Ntopwa Queens veteran. However, Sikelo has been included in the squad alongside three challengers: regulars Ireen Sibande (Silver Strikers Ladies) and Yamikani Kaonga (Ascent Academy), plus veteran Thoko Mwase (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women).
In recent friendlies against Lesotho, Sibande was trusted in goal but struggled with footwork despite keeping a clean sheet. In the second match, Mwase impressed after taking over.
Against Angola, Fazili could opt for Mwase if he seeks a change, though he has strongly stated that Sikelo remains his first choice.
DEFENCE
Fazili has called up 10 defenders, partly to prepare for the COSAFA Women’s Championship originally slated for next month but now postponed.
The experienced Chimwemwe Madise (TP Mazembe) is a guaranteed starter and could partner with either Rose Alufandika (Kukoma Ntopwa) or Maggie Chavula (Ascent Academy) in central defense.
Bernadette Mkandawire is another candidate for central defense, though she has typically played right back for the team, with Maureen Kenneth (Ascent Academy) as her deputy. Ireen Khumalo has secured the left-back position.
MIDFIELD
The midfield presents Fazili with quality options. Local players include regular Leticia Chinyamula, promising midfielder Funny Moyo, Sarah Mlimbika (Kukoma Ntopwa), and Zainab Kapanda, who picked up an injury when FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women played Silver Ladies.
Professional players add further quality: Rose Kabzere (France), Vanessa Chikupira (Kazakhstan), Faith Chinzimu (BK Häcken, Sweden), and Tendai Sani (ZISD, Zambia).
Leticia Chinyamula, Rose Kabzere, Faith Chinzimu, Vanessa Chikupira, and Tendai Sani are front-runners for starting roles.
FORWARD
Tabitha will undoubtedly lead the attack, with Asimenye Simwaka, Sabina Thom, and Chisomo Banda providing additional options.
For a single-striker formation, Asimenye Simwaka would likely get the nod as the number 9. If Fazili favors two forwards, Simwaka would partner with Tabitha Chawinga.
Potential Line-Ups
4-2-3-1 Formation
GK: Mercy Sikelo
DEF: Bernadette Mkandawire, Chimwemwe Madise, Rose Alufandika, Ireen Khumalo
MID: Faith Chinzimu, Rose Kabzere
ATT: Tendai Sani, Vanessa Chikupira, Tabitha Chawinga
FWD: Asimenye Simwaka
4-4-2 Formation
GK: Mercy Sikelo
DEF: Bernadette Mkandawire, Chimwemwe Madise, Rose Alufandika, Ireen Khumalo
MID: Faith Chinzimu, Rose Kabzere, Tendai Sani, Sabina Thom
FWD: Tabitha Chawinga, Asimenye Simwaka
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