Nigeria First Test As Malawi Finalise Plans For WAFCON 2026 Campaign

Scorchers Set Sights on Continental Debut

MALAWI have officially begun the countdown to their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations appearance after announcing a 32-player provisional squad for the 2026 tournament in Morocco.

The squad, unveiled by head coach Lovemore Fazili, will assemble for a residential training camp at Mpira Village in Blantyre as preparations intensify for the continental championship.

Rather than making sweeping changes, Fazili has retained the majority of the players who have featured prominently throughout Malawi’s recent international campaigns. The decision reflects the technical crew’s confidence in an established squad that has shown consistency and earned the country a place at Africa’s premier women’s football tournament.

Opening Test Against African Giants

Malawi’s WAFCON debut could hardly be more demanding.

The Scorchers have been drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, ambitious Zambia and experienced Egypt, creating what many observers regard as one of the most competitive groups in the tournament.

Their opening fixture comes against Nigeria’s Super Falcons on 28 July at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat. The match will serve as a landmark occasion for Malawi while presenting an early opportunity to measure themselves against Africa’s most decorated women’s national side.

A Battle of Experience and Ambition

The clash offers a fascinating contrast between two teams at different stages of their continental journeys.

Nigeria enter the tournament with the experience, pedigree and expectation of defending their African crown, while Malawi arrive as newcomers eager to establish themselves among the continent’s elite.

Although the Super Falcons begin as favourites, Malawi’s qualification has already demonstrated the team’s growing competitiveness. With a settled squad and weeks of preparation ahead, the Scorchers will hope to build momentum before their challenging encounters against Zambia and Egypt.

The opening Group C fixture is therefore expected to provide an early indication of whether Malawi can translate their historic qualification into a memorable debut campaign, or whether Nigeria will reaffirm their status as the benchmark of African women’s football.