Andrew Mdzumira
The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, popularly known as the Scorchers, will begin their 2025 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship campaign against hosts South Africa on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
The opening fixture will be played at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium at 15.00 local time following a venue adjustment announced by COSAFA for logistical reasons. Matches scheduled from Wednesday to Friday will take place at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, while Saturday’s matches will be held at Seshego Stadium.
COSAFA confirmed that the semi-finals, third place play-off and final will all be staged at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium as scheduled, with the 2010 FIFA World Cup venue providing a fitting backdrop for the finale.
Malawi will return to action on Saturday in their second Group A fixture against Lesotho at 12 noon at Seshego Stadium.
Group A comprises Lesotho, Angola, Malawi and hosts South Africa. Group B includes Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. Group C features Mozambique, Namibia and Madagascar.
The tournament is expected to conclude on 1 March 2026, when the 2025 champions will be crowned.
The regional showpiece also serves as important preparation for Malawi, South Africa and Zambia ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled from 17 March to 3 April 2026.
