Malawi’s hopes of making history at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations received a major boost on Friday when star striker Temwa Chawinga returned to training after recovering from injury.
The Kansas City Current forward, who leads the USA National Women’s Soccer League scoring charts with 14 goals this season, had been sidelined for recent training matches, raising fears she might miss the crucial WAFCON qualifier against Angola later this month.
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Her return comes at a pivotal moment for the Scorchers, who are one step away from qualifying for the WAFCON finals for the first time in the nation’s history.
Head Coach Lovemore Fazili is expected to name his final squad soon, with Temwa’s inclusion dependent on medical clearance from her doctor. The 26-year-old’s presence could prove decisive in the two-legged affair against Angola.
Despite her stellar form in the NWSL, Temwa was unavailable when Kansas City Current defeated Angel City 1-0 on Monday night, underscoring the seriousness of her recent injury concerns.
“Historic Opportunity Awaits”
Malawi will begin with an away fixture in Angola on October 23 before hosting the return leg at Bingu National Stadium on October 28. The aggregate winner will secure a place at the WAFCON finals, marking a watershed moment for women’s football in Malawi.
Football Association of Malawi Competitions Manager Gomezgani Zakazaka has called on Malawians to rally behind the team for the home leg.
“For the tickets that people buy to watch the game against Flames and Equatorial Guinea, they can keep them to watch another crucial game for the Scorchers. This will be a crucial game because if Malawi win it, we will qualify for the WAFCON finals. So, the team will need support,” Zakazaka said.
In preparation for this historic qualifier, Malawi have played a series of friendly matches against regional powerhouses including Zambia, South Africa, Morocco and Lesotho.
Coach Fazili expressed satisfaction with his squad’s development through these preparatory fixtures, noting that the matches served a dual purpose of selecting players for both the WAFCON qualifiers and the upcoming COSAFA Women’s Championship.
“Most players have shown heart and improvement that they can deliver for the team. We believe we will have a good game against Angola in the WAFCON qualifiers,” Fazili said.
“I am very happy that we have a squad with many players who are doing well. Some international players don’t always come for COSAFA, so the performance of the girls has given us confidence.”
What’s at Stake
The two matches against Angola represent Malawi’s best opportunity yet to break new ground in continental women’s football. With Temwa Chawinga back in training and a squad that has been battle-tested through quality opposition, the Scorchers are positioning themselves for a historic breakthrough.
All eyes will now be on the final squad announcement and Temwa’s medical clearance as Malawi prepares for what could be the most important matches in the history of women’s football in the country.
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