Rachael Kaphaizi

Malawi Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili has stated that his team will not approach Tuesday’s opening 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C match against defending champions Nigeria as underdogs. He insists they are in Morocco to compete and strive for a positive result.

“We are going there to fight because we cannot go to the battlefield expecting defeat. We are determined to compete,” Fazili said.

The coach acknowledged that Nigeria’s record of 10 WAFCON titles commands respect, but pointed out that football has shown established teams can be beaten.

“Nigeria have been champions, but history in football can change. We have seen smaller teams achieve great results. We will fight and aim to leave the game with something positive after 90 minutes,” he said.

Fazili emphasised that the Scorchers have earned their place at the tournament and should not be seen as outsiders. He explained that the team has gained valuable experience through international friendlies over the past three years, and the technical panel has identified areas where Nigeria can be challenged.

“We are not going as underdogs. We are going as a team that qualified for this tournament, and qualifying was not easy. We fought for it, and we will do the same against Nigeria,” he said.

The Scorchers will begin their first WAFCON campaign against the Super Falcons on Tuesday, before facing Egypt and Zambia in their remaining Group C fixtures.