Rachael Kaphaizi
As the Scorchers intensify preparations for their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) appearance, Head Coach Lovemore Fazili is placing his trust in both experienced stars and the next generation of talent.
Fazili has named a 32-member provisional squad, which includes promising Under-20 players Takondwa Chinyamvula and Fatima Lali. This signals the technical panel’s intention to build for both the present and future as the team looks ahead to the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.
The squad, expected to begin camp on Sunday at Mpira Village in Blantyre, largely maintains the core group that has represented the Scorchers throughout the year. It also welcomes back vice-captain Temwa Chawinga after her absence from recent assignments.
The inclusion of youthful faces alongside established internationals such as the Chawinga sisters, Rose Smith Kabzere, and Temwa Chawinga creates a blend of energy and experience as the Scorchers prepare for the biggest tournament in the team’s history.
Foreign-based players are expected to report for camp at the start of preparations, although Faith Chinzimu, Asimenye Simwaka, and Temwa Chawinga will join later.
The Scorchers face a daunting challenge in Group C, where they will take on defending champions Nigeria, Egypt, and regional rivals Zambia.
The Scorchers begin their WAFCON campaign against Nigeria on July 28 at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat before taking on Egypt on August 1 and Zambia on August 5.
The tournament, scheduled from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco, will mark a major milestone for women’s football in the country and could provide a stage for emerging players to shine on the continental scene.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mercy Sikelo (Civil Service Women), Yamikani Kaonga (MDF Lioness), Esther Maulidi (Mighty Wanderers Queens), Thoko Mwase (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women).
Defenders: Doreen Dickson (MDF Lioness), Tionge Phiri (Silver Strikers Ladies), Rose Alufandika (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Talandira Chinyamvula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Maggie Chavula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Benadetta Mkandawire (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Ireen Khumalo (Silver Strikers Ladies), Olivia Phikani (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Chimwemwe Madise (TP Mazembe).
Midfielders: Funny Magombo (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Letticia Chinyamula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Rose Smith Kabzere (Montpellier HSC Féminines), Faith Chinzimu (BK Häcken), Chikondi Gondwe (Silver Strikers Ladies), Madyina Nguluwe (Silver Strikers Ladies), Tendai Sani (ZISD), Vanessa Chipikula (Palm Hills Sports Club), Lyna James (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Sarah Mlimbika (Green Buffaloes Women), Vitumbiko Mercy Mkandawire (Civil Service Women), Asimenye Simwaka (MDF Lioness).
Forwards: Sabina Thom (Phoenix Academy Marrakesh), Deborah Henry (Silver Strikers Ladies), Chisomo Banda (Konkola Blades Queens FC), Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current), Tabitha Chawinga (Olympique Lyonnais), Mary Chavinda (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Fatima Lali (Ascent Soccer Academy).
